Alastair Grant / AP
More than 17 months away from the opening ceremony, London 2012 is peddling fast into Olympic fervor.
The velodrome, really just a posh term for the Olympic bike track, was the first Olympic arena to cut the ribbon Tuesday. And taking the first run around the ring was Scotsman Chris Hoy, a Beijing triple gold medalist who hopes his home track will net him even more bling next year.
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In fact, Hoy himself helped design the track, the AP reports. “It feels very fast … nice and smooth,” Hoy said after completing several laps. Fast enough for gold? Organizers say absolutely – they’re billing it as the world’s fastest track, thanks to its climate-controlled environment and unique layout. “No matter where you are in the stadium, you can see the full track,” Hoy told the BBC.
The outside geometry is just as intriguing. The building has garnered the (rather unfortunate nickname of “The Pringle,” as its top resembles a wavy potato chip – or crisp, as the Brits say. The velodrome will hold 6,000 fans to watch the cyclists go round and round. Hoy predicts the venue will be a spectacle of biking when the games kick off next year. “I would imagine – particularly in the team pursuit events – world records going.” Going to him, NewsFeed presumes he means.
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The BBC reports the arena came in on budget at £105 million ($170 million) after nearly two years of construction. According to the AP, the 80,000-seat main stadium and aquatics center are near completion and are next to see their moment in the spotlight.