Olympic velodrome opens its doors

Sir Chris Hoy says he "can't wait" for the Olympics to begin after riding on the finished London 2012 cycle track for the first time.

The four-time Olympic champion was joined by fellow Beijing winners Victoria Pendleton and Jason Kenny, plus a team of British sprint stars who are all aiming for London 2012 success.

Hoy gave a much-needed cyclist's viewpoint to the designers and architects about what is needed for the venue in Stratford, east London.

He said: "Having been involved in a very small way in the design process in the early stages, it's amazing to see the velodrome finally completed, and to be able to have ridden on it gives me a feel for what it's going to be like in a year and a half's time. I can't wait."

The VeloPark is expected to come in on budget at around £93 million.

The 6,000-seat velodrome, complete with its sweeping roof designed to reflect the curve of the cycling track, is the first venue at the Olympic Park to be finished.

Building work began in March 2009 and the opening marked the handover from the Olympic Delivery Authority to the London 2012 organisers.