CYCLING - TRACK: Cyclists from around the world have said that the new track at the Rio Olympic Velodrome, which was officially inaugurated on Sunday (26 June), promises fast times and great races during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

International competitors took part in men's and women's omnium competitions at the new venue, each consisting of six races and time trials.

"It's a very good track," said Australia's Alexander Porter, who is still trying to seal his place in the country's eight-strong men's squad for Olympic Games. "I really liked how it feels, it's very smooth and really good for racing. It felt awesome to ride on." "I have really enjoyed racing on it.

"It feels better to ride on than the one I am used to at home. I am getting a real buzz from being here." 

"The track is fast and smooth and the wood is great, added Gael Suter from Switzerland after winning the men's event. Suter has already qualified for Rio 2016. "I think some great times will be done in the Olympics. I can't wait to come back in August. There will be some great races."

"I am very happy to discover this beautiful track. It was a great opportunity," he added.

Shogo Ichimaru from Japan was another satisfied cyclist. "The track is very well made and similar to what I am used to training on in Japan."

In total, cyclists from six countries took part in the sports event over the weekend.

“We are very happy with the outcome of the sports test,” said Gilles Peruzzi, the track and para-cycling manager at the International Cycling Union (UCI). “There has been great progress in the last few weeks. It’s a very good venue.”

Official handover

The Mayor of Rio de Janeiro officially handed over responsibility for the venue, located in Barra Olympic Park, to the Rio 2016 organising committee in a ceremony on Sunday.

Rio 2016 president Carlos Nuzman received a symbolic key to the velodrome. "I am satisfied not only to be receiving the key for the last sporting venue, but to be able to say that our venues are ready for the big stars of the Games: the athletes," Nuzman said.

As well as testing the track, the event served to give volunteers and staff at the velodrome their first taste of sports action. "The energy of the team was very positive," Rio 2016 track cycling manager Beatriz Resende said after the event.

Paralympic competitors also had the chance to test the accessibility of the venue. "It made the best possible impression," said Luciano da Rosa, a Brazilian Paralympian who will be competing here in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. 

Host country enthusiasm

Brazilian competitors of all ages were out in force over the course of the weekend. Carolina Barbosa Alves do Nascimento came home in first place in the women's omnium, at the age of just 17 and in her first ever race on a wooden track.

"I never imagined I would do it," she said through tears of joy. "Cycling on the Olympic track is an experience I will remember for the rest of my life. I am going to do everything I can to be at Tokyo 2020." 

Armando Camargo, a more experienced Brazilian cyclist who is working with the country's Olympic team, said the new venue would help the development of Brazilian cycling. "It is something that Brazil didn't have before. For track cycling it is essential."

Rio 2016