Berlin Velodrom

Sydney just pipped Berlin to the 2000 Olympics, but that didn't stop those efficient Germans from putting in place a great deal of the necessary infrastructure to host such an event. Probably the towering achievement of this rush to build (take note Seb Coe, Tessa Jowell, Boris et al) is the Berlin Velodrom (no 'e').

Designed by Dominique Perrault (who also designed the Habitat Sky Hotel in Barcelona and the Cocon series), the Velodrom has Europe's largest steel roof with a diameter of 142 metres. It sits in its own sunken trough which gives it the appearance of a mothership that has landed on earth and left its impact imprinted on the ground.


Those in the know assure me that this bad boy is fucking fast. In fact, it is supposed to be the second fastest circuit in Europe. At 48 degrees, only Moscow has a steeper incline. In fact, its so fast, that you need to get a licence to ride here, which takes four weeks to arrive. Having sent mine off, look forward to a review soon.