Tucson is preparing to unveil Arizona\u2019s first Olympic-style velodrome, offering a new venue for cyclists of all levels\u2014and it was designed by a Canadian.<\/p>\n
A ribbon-cutting ceremony at 6:30\u202fp.m. Wednesday will provide a first look at the state-of-the-art facility.<\/p>\n
The track was built by Canadian designer Peter Junek and is made entirely of aluminum. Which, by the way, is a first in velodrome construction.<\/p>\n
Tucson has long been a winter training destination, thanks to its sunny weather and challenging roads. There\u2019s also the 40-km climb up Mount Lemmon\u2014and extensive cycling infrastructure. The area regularly hosts professional and national-level riders, as well as group rides and training camps.<\/p>\n
Junek has designed tracks across the globe, including the high-speed velodrome in Aguascalientes, Mexico. In Canada, he created the Fonthill Velodrome in 1990, followed by a 166\u202fm track in Hamilton, a 200\u202fm track in Quebec, and a 250\u202fm track in New Brunswick. He also built a 250\u202fm track for the 1999 Pan Am Games in Winnipeg and recently designed the new Centre National de Cyclisme in Bromont. His portfolio spans dozens of tracks worldwide, from Sweden to Portugal and Turkmenistan to Chile. The Tucson facility will be his 37th velodrome.<\/p>\n
Unlike most velodromes, which use Siberian pine indoors or concrete outdoors, this track\u2019s aluminum construction sets it apart, promising durability under the hot sun.<\/p>\n
Canadian Cycling Magazine spoke with Junek earlier this year and did a deep dive into the construction of the track. He mentioned scrap aluminum is worth 30 per cent of new aluminum. \u201cIn the worst case, if they need to scrap it 10 years down the road,\u201d Junek said<\/a>, \u201cbut the main thing is weather resistance.\u201d<\/p>\n The surface can be powder-painted with aluminum paint containing small particles to create friction similar to wood or smooth concrete. For the Tucson track, they sandblasted it first, which is a more cost-effective method.<\/p>\n