The interior of the Laoshan Velodrome

(BEIJING, December 6) -- Occupying a land surface of 33,320 sq m, the Laoshan Velodrome shines as a brand new venue for the track cycling event for the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The three-story building is 33.8m tall, capable of seating 6,000, including 3,000 temporary seats. It is capped with a dish-shaped dome where more than 200 lights are installed. A 250m-long all-weather wooden cycle track lies on the floor, surrounded by rows of blue spectator chairs.

The velodrome has a lattice-framed steel structure, with a horizontal shadow spanning 133.06m, and 150m in diameter. To put 1,400 tones of steel structure in place, the engineers and workers displayed their "weaving" skills on and above ground.

They set up two platforms on a 500m-long round steel rail to lift the beams and gradually expanded the surface on which the supportive structures are erected. At one juncture, it took four hours for 700 workers to use 64 capstan engines to put the dome's skeleton in place.

The velodrome project is highlighted by a round scuttle 56m in diameter in the central area of the roof. The scuttle is able to use solar energy for lighting and able to diffuse sun- light to avoid light spots on the cycling track.

The scuttle's windows are automatically switched to dispel smoke in case of fire emergencies.

To adapt to the lighting needs of different parts of the arc track, the velodrome's 230 overhead lamps are equipped with special materials placed in different positions.

The wheelchair users will find a super-size lift in the velodrome, which is able not only to carry the Paralympic athletes, wheelchairs and assistants, but also an ambulance if demanded.

On December 9, 2007, the venue will host the UCI Track Cycling World Cup "Classis," a full scale test for the Olympic and Paralympics.

After 2008, it will become a training base for international teams, a venue for large-scale cycling competitions and a place to physically educate the younger generation, as well as to benefit the people in their fitness program.