What the heck is an aluminum velodrome and how does it work?
Peter Junek has designed the world’s first in Tucson using the material
Canadian velodrome designer, Peter Junek, is adding another track to his résumé with the planned construction of a new aluminum track in Tucson, Arizona. Tucson, known for its ideal winter weather, challenging roads like Mount Lemmon, and strong cycling infrastructure, has become a prime training destination for pros and national-level riders. It’s home to numerous group rides and training camps.
Given its cycling culture, it makes sense for Tucson to have a velodrome, though it’s surprising it took so long. “We are excited to announce Arizona’s first Olympic-style velodrome, approved by the Pima County Board of Supervisors. The amended lease allows Southern Arizona Kart Club, Inc. to proceed with the Tucson Velodrome,” the builders said.
Efforts to create a velodrome in southern Arizona date back to the 1970s. In 2019, six supporters came together to build a 250-meter track for international competition.
Junek’s long track record
The St. Catherines, Ont. native has designed velodromes worldwide, including the fastest one in the world in Aguascalientes, Mexico. In Canada, he created tracks in Fonthill (1990), Hamilton, Quebec, and New Brunswick, and a 250m track for the 1999 Pan Am Games in Winnipeg. He also designed the Centre National de Cyclisme de Bromont. With dozens of tracks from Sweden to Chile, this will be his 37th. Junek, one of only three UCI-recognized designers, has nearly 50 years of competitive cycling experience. He has collaborated with architects, cycling federations, and teams worldwide to create high-quality, fast velodromes that meet strict UCI standards. Right now he is in the Philippines, building another velodrome.
His next project in Tucson will be unique, as it will use aluminum instead of the typical wood or concrete.
Canadian Cycling Magazine readers had many questions about the materials used for the new track. Specifically, some wonder if there’s a surface layer added to prevent overheating, slipperiness, or other damage from the elements. Additionally, there’s curiosity about how the track handles wear and tear—whether it’s modular or if individual dings can be fixed.
On aluminum
Junek emphasized the benefits of aluminum for velodromes, adding that its portability and cost recovery value make it an even more compelling choice. Scrap aluminum is worth 30 per cent of new aluminum. “In the worst case, if they need to scrap it 10 years down the road,” Junek said, “but the main thing is weather resistance.”
He said the materials used in aluminum decks are similar to those that will be used on the velodrome. One manufacturer he mentioned, Versadeck, provides detailed specifications for its abrasion-resistant polyurea-coated decks. It also demonstrates excellent tear resistance at 91 kN/m and can withstand temperatures ranging from -45°C to 93°C. With high tear resistance, the polyurea-coated aluminum deck is highly resistant to ripping or surface degradation. For a track, that means a smooth, durable riding surface that can withstand the intense forces generated by high-speed track cycling, reducing maintenance needs and improving rider safety. After 4,000 hours of weather exposure, Versadeck says there was no evidence of failure, making it highly durable and weather-resistant.
Junek will utilize similar technology for the velodrome, capitalizing on aluminum’s benefits over wood or composite materials. Aluminum won’t splinter, crack, fade, rot, or warp, and doesn’t suffer from issues like nail or screw popping. Aluminum is fire-resistant, highly durable, and won’t tear like softer materials.
“The surface can be powder painted with aluminum paint with small particles, to get friction as wood or smooth concrete,” he said. “The one in Tucson we will sand blast first, it is cheaper.”
Located near the Pima County Fairgrounds on the Musselman Honda Circuit, the track will be built to withstand Tucson’s hot summers, allowing year-round use. Features will include 40-degree banked turns, an access tunnel, lighting, washrooms, and grandstand seating.
To learn more, check out TucsonVelodrome.com