COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (BRAIN) — USA Cycling will begin using a removable dome over the 7-Eleven velodrome at the Olympic Training Center here this winter. The organization said the dome will allow year-round training at the track during the build up to the Rio Olympic Games.
"With the quickly approaching 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, we are seeking every advantage to adequately prepare our athletes to compete with the best in the world," said USA Cycling's CEO and president, Steve Johnson. "However, this significant upgrade of the velodrome in Colorado Springs will not only provide the optimal setting for our track cyclists to live and train throughout the year in the run-up to Rio, but also represents a significant investment in American track cycling that will benefit our growing track community well into the future."
USAC did not say what the dome will cost. The organization said its use will save an estimated $10,000 on annual repair work.
The dome will allow more community use of the track, in addition to its use by elite athletes. The track will add an additional 400 hours of community programs, on top of the 600 hours that are already offered. These will include the "Learn to Ride the Velodrome" program, community training and community races.
The 333.3 meter cement banked track was built in 1982 to provide high-altitude training for American cyclists leading up to the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The track also hosted events during the 1986 UCI World Cycling Championships and has played host to dozens of international competitions for both track cycling and roller sport.
