The cycling scene in the USA is getting an innovative new addition: the country's first aluminium velodrome has been completed in Tucson, Arizona. The Tucson Velodrome is a 250 metre long track with 42 degree bends and was designed by renowned cycling track architect Peter Junek from Junek Velodromes. The special feature lies in the chosen construction material: aluminium was specially selected for the climate in Tucson in order to withstand the high summer temperatures and enable year-round operation. The project was financed exclusively by a generous private foundation, which means that Tucson now has a Cycling track world-class facilities. All user fees collected from visitors to the velodrome go towards the operating costs and maintenance of the facility.
Tucson Velodrome technical details
The Tucson Velodrome has numerous facilities that make it a modern sports venue. In addition to the 250-metre-long aluminium track with 42-degree bends, the facility includes an access tunnel, professional Musco lighting for evening events, sanitary facilities and several outbuildings. The choice of aluminium as the track surface represents an innovation that is specially adapted to the climatic conditions in Tucson. The aluminium construction not only withstands the high temperatures in summer, but also allows the track to be used all year round - a decisive advantage over conventional materials.
History of the Tucson Velodrome
Since the 1970s, various groups and organisations have tried to build a velodrome in southern Arizona without success. In 2019, six interested supporters came together with the goal of building an AIC-certified 250-metre track. Since then, the Tucson Velodrome Citizens Committee (TVCC) has grown to more than two dozen members. Incorporation as a non-profit organisation has now been completed, allowing plans for a successful velodrome in Tucson to move forward.
The breakthrough for the project came when the Pima County Board of Supervisors approved the project. The amended lease authorised the Southern Arizona Kart Club, Inc. to proceed with the planning and development of the Tucson Velodrome. Pima County and Tucson are among the most popular destinations for cyclists in the United States. The county and surrounding cities have made significant investments in bicycle infrastructure and promotion to encourage a healthier lifestyle for residents and increase bicycle-related tourism.
Location Tucson Velodrome
The Tucson Velodrome is located at the Musselman Honda Circuit, a site in close proximity to the Pima County Fairgrounds. This strategic location offers good transport links and synergies with existing venues. Tucson has earned a well-deserved reputation as the "winter training centre" of the USA for cycling and many other endurance sports. The city boasts a rich diversity of local competitive cycling and has an impressive history of hosting the largest circumnavigation cycling event in the country for nearly 40 years.
Target groups Tucson Velodrome
The Tucson Velodrome is aimed at various target groups. One is to appeal to existing cycling communities. Tucson has a strong cycling culture and is home to many smaller events throughout Pima County, Arizona, as well as approximately 25 competitive cycling teams. On the other hand, the velodrome wants to attract new enthusiasts, especially youth, to track cycling. The TVCC sees the Velodrome as a premier multi-purpose facility that will provide numerous positive benefits to both the local community and the Southwestern United States.
The facility is intended to offer the community the opportunity to experience exciting races in a spectator-friendly environment, as well as providing a venue for training and corporate events. The track could also be used by other sports such as hand cycling and inline skating. The velodrome will provide an ideal location for youth cycling and safety training.
The technical specifications
- Track length: 250 metres
- Curve inclination: 42 degrees
- Web surface: Aluminium
- Lighting: Musco lighting system
- Additional facilities: Access tunnel, sanitary facilities, outbuilding
- Location: Musselman Honda Circuit, near Pima County Fairgrounds
- Possible uses: Track cycling, hand cycling, inline skating, events in the infield
Interview with Peter Junek
Canadian Peter Junek has been building cycling tracks all over the world for 50 years. In Tucson, he has now built the first cycling track made of aluminium. He explains the advantages of the material to TOUR.
TOUR: Who had the idea to build the first aluminium velodrome and why?
Peter Junek: I came up with this idea because there is a need for weatherproof, durable and inexpensive uncovered cycling tracks. Many countries don't need expensive arenas and even less so in countries with warm climates. Wooden tracks do not last long outdoors and concrete tracks are expensive. Concrete 250 metre cycling tracks with a steeper gradient are difficult to make smooth and without bumps. They are also expensive to demolish. Aluminium is recyclable, so some of the investment costs can be recovered. Or the entire track can be sold and rebuilt elsewhere.
TOUR: Building an aluminium cycling track for the first time sounds challenging - how nervous were you during the first test ride by cyclists on the Tucson Velodrome?
Peter Junek: The velodrome in Tucson is a prototype, but a 25 by 2.5 metre test area next to my house served as a testing ground. I knew how hot it would get, how it would expand, etc. Summer in the Arizona desert is the ultimate testing ground. If it works there, it will work anywhere.
TOUR: One imagines an aluminium surface to be very slippery - isn't that a problem?
Peter Junek: Extruded profiles have fine lines on the top and the riding surface is also sandblasted. The surface is non-slip, better than wood, and is non-abrasive.
TOUR: Are there no problems with the reflection of the sun?
Peter Junek: No, that's not a problem either. The sandblasted matt surface has no reflection.
TOUR: You have built cycle racing tracks all over the world - what was special about this project, apart from the material?
Peter Junek: This project was special because there were no major problems with the design - it went better than expected. It was also special because dedicated workers worked in 45 degree temperatures on some days.
TOUR: Do you have any exciting new projects?
Peter Junek: Every new velodrome is exciting. The next project will be an indoor velodrome cycling track in Rafaela, Argentina, for the 2026 South American Games. We hope that our aluminium velodrome will bring more exciting projects with this material to new markets that may not have considered a velodrome before due to the cost.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
