London 2012 organisers hope it will be the fastest track in the world for 2012.

 

The 6,000-seat Velodrome is the third sports venue on the Olympic Park to begin construction, following the main stadium and Aquatics Centre.

 

Initially estimated to cost £20 million in 2004, the Velodrome is now expected to cost £105 million, up £25 million on the last estimate in July 2008.

 

Britain enjoyed great success in track cycling at the Beijing Olympics last year, winning seven golds.

 

The Velodrome is a permanent facility in the Park, and will include the Olympic BMX circuit.

 

After the Games, a road cycle circuit and mountain bike course will be added and be managed by the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority (LVRPA).

 

Sebastian Coe, the chairman of London 2012, said: “The success of our cyclists in Beijing and their medal hopes at this week’s World Championships prove Britain leads the way in world cycling and deserves a world-class stage in 2012 so the start of work on time on a landmark new cycling venue for London is a significant milestone.

 

 

“Our Velodrome plans are driven by legacy and we are aiming for this to not only be a venue where records are broken and the British gold-rush continues in 2012, but a breeding-ground for new generation of cyclists of all ages and abilities.”

 

The Velodrome designers, Hopkins Architects, are working closely with track designers to tailor the track geometry and set the temperature and environmental conditions within the venue to create a record-breaking track.

 

John Armitt, the chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), said: "The start of construction work is a significant milestone in our plans to create a world-class cycling venue with a record-breaking track for events in 2012 and the legacy of first-class facilities to help create the next generation of Olympic champions."

 

Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell said: "British cyclists delivered an exceptional haul of medals in Beijing last year and cycling continues to grow in popularity as more people get out of their cars and on to bikes. 

 

“Today we've witnessed the start of construction of what, with the help of Sir Chris Hoy who helped design the Velodrome, we hope will be the fastest track in the world for London 2012, helping Olympic and Paralympic cyclists better their awe-inspiring performances last summer.

 

"But more than that, I am proud that after the Games thousands of people will be able to test their skills and simply enjoy themselves on the road, track, and BMX courses that will be left in legacy, perhaps inspiring our next generation of elite cyclists like Shanaze Reade or Bradley Wiggins."