Cyclists crank up criticism of Olympic velodrome

The designer of the open-sided velodrome built for the Athens Olympics probably won’t snatch the gold this year, at least not if pro cyclists from a few of the less hardy nations have their say.

It seems that Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava’s design is proving to be a challenge to the competitors because it is exposed to the wind and the elements and allows dust on to the wooden racing surface. Despite pleas by the organisers, the final design was not amended. But Team GB technical advisor Chris Boardman reckons a bit too much whingeing has been going on. ‘At least the winds are keeping the temperatures down,’ he says.