The world's first velodrome with an aluminum surface is inaugurated

The Tucson Velodrome opens its doors this week as the first aluminum track velodrome. An innovative construction that could pave the way for this type of outdoor facility.

Arizona opens the world's first aluminum velodrome

The state of Arizona has just made history in cycling with the inauguration of the world's first velodrome with an aluminum surface. The Tucson Velodrome, located in the southeast of Tucson, celebrates its official opening this Wednesday, November 12, with a ceremony that will include local authorities and representatives from the cycling community.

The venue features a 250-meter Olympic track with 42-degree banking, designed by Canadian engineer Peter Junek, who is responsible for more than 30 velodromes worldwide. The facility is located within the Musselman Honda Circuit, a track commonly used for karts and motor vehicles, and has been driven by the Southern Arizona Kart Club and the owning group Tucson Velodrome, Inc.

An unprecedented material to withstand extreme heat

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Unlike most outdoor velodromes, which are built of concrete, the Tucson Velodrome uses aluminum as its racing surface, an unprecedented solution designed to withstand the high temperatures of the Arizona desert, where summers easily exceed 37 °C.

This material ensures greater durability, lower maintenance, and allows for year-round use, something unthinkable with traditional surfaces.

The venue also includes an underground access tunnel, professional Musco lighting, bleachers, auxiliary services, and a multifunctional indoor area that will host concerts, social events, and sports events.

According to the project leaders, “in addition to attracting professional and Olympic cyclists for training and competitions, the velodrome will serve as a safe and controlled space for all enthusiasts, promoting health and sports from an early age.” There are also plans to create school and youth programs with certified coaches to introduce young people to the track.

With the opening of the Tucson Velodrome, Arizona positions itself as one of the new cycling hubs in the United States, combining cutting-edge infrastructure, favorable climate, and a growing sports culture. The commitment to an aluminum velodrome represents an unprecedented innovation that could shape the future of track cycling.