Laoshan Velodrome

Laoshan Velodrome

Laoshan Velodrome is a national AA-level tourist attraction.

Highlights

Located in the western suburbs of Beijing, east of the General Administration of Sport of China and the Cycling and Fencing Sports Management Center. The building covers an area of 33,290 square meters, with a capacity of 6,000 spectators. The track is 250 meters in circumference, and all cycling events of the 2008 Olympic Games were held here. Introduction

The massive dome of the velodrome is constructed with a steel frame. The central part of the roof features a dome-like “skylight,” which is covered with polycarbonate panels that offer excellent light transmittance. This design provides optimal hardware support for energy efficiency and post-Olympic use of the venue. The Laoshan Velodrome is equipped with highly advanced lighting systems. Unlike a standard running track that lies flat, the velodrome track is an arced surface with a certain gradient. As a result, each set of lights has different reflector materials and angles to ensure uniform lighting across every point on the curved track. After the Olympics, the velodrome will serve as a training base for national team athletes. During regular training sessions, the lighting requirements are not as stringent. In such cases, the “skylight” in the dome proves highly useful. The polycarbonate panels used in the central part of the dome not only offer great light transmittance but also provide significant diffusion, ensuring that even under bright sunlight, no harsh spots of light are cast on the track—greatly enhancing athlete safety during training. The second level is the core of the structure, where the 2008 track cycling competitions took place. Olympic track cycling events are held on an oval-shaped track. The Laoshan Velodrome’s track is 11 meters wide, including a 7-meter-wide competition lane and a 4-meter-wide safety corridor. The track spreads outward from the center in an arced gradient. According to International Cycling Union (UCI) standards, the incline of the entire track ranges between 13 and 47 degrees.

Transportation

Address: West side of the Laoshan National Sports Administration, Cycling and Fencing Sports Management Center Base, Shijingshan District, Beijing. Get off at Bajiao Station on Line 8 of the Beijing Subway, then walk north for 8 minutes to reach the venue.

Beijing Shijingshan