The final timber panels have been fitted into place on the London 2012 Velodrome's roof, making the building water-tight and allowing work to continue inside ready for the cycling track installation this autumn.

The venue's cable-net roof was lifted into place earlier this year to form the distinctive double-curved shape of the venue. More than 1,000 exposed timber panels now sit on top of the cable-net structure, helping cover the roof and form the timber ceiling.


The 6,000-seat Velodrome will host the Olympic and Paralympic Track Cycling events in 2012. After the Games, the Velodrome will be used by elite athletes and the local community. It will include a café, and bike hire and cycle workshop facilities.

David Higgins, Chief Executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority, said: "The Velodrome will be a key focal point in the north of the Olympic Park, delivering first-class cycling facilities for the Games and a new generation of cyclists.

"Having the Velodrome timber ceiling in place is another glimpse of the striking design and attention to detail that has gone into delivering this highly sustainable venue.

"With the roof now covered, work inside the venue is well underway and the Velodrome is firmly on track to be the first Olympic Park venue to be completed early next year."

(CD/GK)