Ever wanted to see top athletes in an Olympic venue? Watch the best of the best at the World Track Cycling Championships in London’s Lee Valley VeloPark at the Olympic Park. And while you’re there, make sure you get on two wheels too – whatever your level.
For the best access to the park and a soothing night’s sleep, stay at the nearby Travelodge Stratford hotel.
Velodrome action. Photo © anna_isan
What’s going on?
Join in the fun at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in London’s Lee Valley VeloPark from 2-6 March 2016. Sports and cycling fans will love watching history being made live in the 6,000-seat velodrome, where Sir Chris Hoy and his Team GB had everyone roaring in support at the London 2012 Games. The races include the spectacular men’s and women’s team sprints as well as the men’s team pursuit and the women’s omnium. Watch in awe as records are broken and old rivalries resurface!
Lee Valley VeloPark
This is the first place in the world where anyone can take part in four types of cycling in one place. And because you can hire all you need there, it’s even easier to take part. Try an introduction to track cycling or an hour-long session to get comfortable. Or even take a four-stage accreditation course if you already know your stuff. There’s also the Olympic BMX track and a one-mile road circuit, plus 8km of mountain bike trails. Fast becoming the UK’s leading cycling hub, thanks to the top events taking place there, it’s become a magnet for the world’s top cyclists. Booking your experience is recommended, but you’ll find plenty of opportunities to ‘pay and ride’ too.
Explore on two wheels
There are plenty of cycling opportunities around the Lee Valley VeloPark too, whether you prefer trails or city paths. Choose to stay within the boundaries of the 26-mile, 10,000-acre Lee Valley Park or head right into London. For families with younger children, the two-mile Waders and Waterfowl route is a great blend of sport and wildlife spotting, while London’s cycle lanes let you ride past some of the key tourist spots like the Houses of Parliament.
Take in the view. Photo © peterspiro
Hone your BMX skills
Prefer some thrills? Rent a bike and helmet for just £12 and try your hand – or rather your feet – at the one-hour tasting sessions on the BMX track. You’ll pick up key skills including body positioning and how to adapt to the BMX track or terrain changes. For those who get the hang of it, the track, with its 30-odd bumps, jumps and berms offers the chance to pick up serious speed.
The Olympic Park
The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is one of the best spots in London for families to mix sports with entertainment. On a rainy day, try the impressive Aquatics Centre or go for a spot of tennis indoors. For a great view, and some extra thrills, stand on top of (or abseil down) the UK’s tallest sculpture, the ArcelorMittal Orbit, which stands 80 meters high. The park also has the Copper Box Arena for badminton or basketball fans, and the Timber Lodge where kids can take Zumba lessons.
Farm fun
For something different, a 20-minute drive away, Lee Valleys Farm awaits. You’ll find falconry displays, tractor rides, play barns and even meet meerkats. The Alpine Adventure is another must, with ‘doughnut’ sliding down the hill!
