WHAT ARE THE MOST FAMOUS VELODROMES IN THE WORLD?
Velodromes are more than cycling tracks—they’re cathedrals of speed, precision, and history. These steeply banked ovals have hosted Olympic gold medalists, world-record chasers, and generations of track cycling legends. From architectural marvels to legacy venues of the sport, the world’s most famous velodromes reflect cycling’s growth across cultures and decades. In this guide, we explore the most renowned velodromes worldwide—unpacking what makes each one legendary in the eyes of riders, fans, and historians.
Olympic icons and modern marvels
Velodromes built for the Olympic Games stand as pinnacles of design and performance. These arenas are engineered for speed and spectacle, often featuring cutting-edge materials and climate control to create record-breaking conditions. They’ve seen champions crowned and records shattered on the world’s biggest stage.
Legendary Olympic velodromes
These venues have set the standard for elite track racing, combining world-class infrastructure with unforgettable sporting moments.
Lee Valley VeloPark (London, UK): Host of the 2012 Olympics, known for its fast track and iconic “Pringle” roof design.
Velodrome de Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (France): Host of the 2024 Olympics and UCI World Championships, built for speed and sustainability.
Izu Velodrome (Japan): The only wooden indoor track in Japan, used during the 2020 Tokyo Games and nestled in a scenic setting.
Lausanne Velodrome (Switzerland): Though not Olympic, it’s often used for training and known for its close ties to the UCI headquarters nearby.
Anna Meares Velodrome (Brisbane, Australia): Built for the 2018 Commonwealth Games and a hub for Australian cycling excellence.
Olympic velodromes are purpose-built to push boundaries. Their precise climate control, track curvature, and wood choice (usually Siberian pine) create ideal conditions for world-class performance and thrilling competition.
Historic venues that shaped the sport
Long before modern engineering, velodromes were open-air or covered concrete ovals where cycling legends emerged. These classic tracks carry deep history, with decades of racing stories etched into their curves. Though some are no longer used for competition, their legacy remains foundational.
The most historic velodromes in cycling
Stepping into one of these velodromes is like entering a time capsule. They’ve witnessed tactical battles, cultural milestones, and early innovations in track racing.
Vélodrome d’Hiver (Paris, France): A now-demolished indoor velodrome with a complex history, once central to early 20th-century French cycling.
Velodromo Vigorelli (Milan, Italy): Site of many hour records and historic battles, still revered by Italian cycling fans.
Forest City Velodrome (London, Canada): North America’s smallest and most technical indoor track, beloved for its grassroots racing vibe.
Parque San Martín Velodrome (Buenos Aires, Argentina): Historic site for Pan-American cycling events and a symbol of Latin American racing culture.
Herne Hill Velodrome (London, UK): One of the oldest velodromes still in use, host of the 1948 Olympic track events.
These venues might not be the fastest or flashiest anymore, but they’re sacred ground to purists. Many remain active thanks to community support, proving that passion for track cycling never goes out of style.
Velodromes known for speed and records
Some velodromes gain fame not from history or architecture, but from sheer speed. Altitude, wood quality, and engineering precision make these tracks the go-to arenas for setting world records and testing human limits. When athletes need to go faster than ever before, they come here.
Fastest velodromes on earth
These tracks are engineered for velocity, with many sitting at altitude to reduce air resistance and maximize rider efficiency.
Aguascalientes Velodrome (Mexico): At 1,888 meters elevation, this indoor track is the site of multiple world records, including hour records and team pursuits.
Velódromo Alcides Nieto Patiño (Cali, Colombia): Another high-altitude venue that’s become a hub for Pan-American and UCI events.
Velodrome Suisse (Grenchen, Switzerland): Home to Filippo Ganna’s hour record and one of Europe’s premier fast tracks.
Adelaide Super-Drome (Australia): National training center with a reputation for consistent fast times and rider development.
Berlin Velodrome (Germany): Known for its smooth track and frequent European records, especially in sprint disciplines.
If it’s a record-breaking performance, chances are it happened—or will happen—at one of these velodromes. Their design reflects peak aerodynamic theory, offering both fans and athletes the thrill of watching limits pushed.
