A new velodrome will be built in Medellin as Colombia’s second city bids to become the home of Colombian cycling, local media reported on Thursday.
The proect will reportedly cost just over $22.5 million and construction should begin in mid-2013 with the intention of completing the sporting arena in late 2014.
Anibal Gaviria, the Mayor of Medellin announced that the design, which is known as “satellites” in reference to its modern, symetrical forms, was chosen over 15 other nominees. The velodrome itself is a wooden oval track with steep curves used for individual or team events.
“The image of the building will be very [impressive] and will become one of the city’s reference points. The idea is that people [will] take ownership of it, it is a park…We will design a velodrome to break records, and to be an icon for the city to enjoy,” noted Carlos Medellin, an architect of the winning firm.
“Our idea is that, when there is no cycling competitions, it [will be] a park for people to enter and use. With that, we will be satisfied,” said the winning architect.