(ATR) Brazilian Sports Minister Leonardo Picciani tells Around the Rings that the opening of the velodrome shows the venue "has the attention of the general population."
Last weekend Carioca cyclists competed in the Rio state championships at the venue. It served as the first use of the velodrome since the 2016 Summer Paralympic Games. According to the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) over 3,000 people attended the event.
"I think it is very important [that the venue opened] because it is the principle legacy that this venue is working for the high level athletes and beginning athletes, but even for the general population," Picciani said toATR. "The velodrome has the attention of the general population. The cycling modality has increased strongly in Brazil in the last year and and we want to open for competition and to open for the public in general."
The velodrome is now the third venue constructed for the 2016 Olympics to find a post-Games use, joining the tennis venue and Carioca Arena 3. The tennis venue was used to hold a beach volleyball tournament as a way to bring spectators to the Park.
Brazil’s sports ministry is in charge of the operation of the velodrome, along with the tennis arena and Carioca Arena 1 & 2. Rio City Hall is in charge of operating Carioca Arena 3 as well as the main pathway into the park. Both are open only on limited hours during the weekend to the general public.
According to the COB more than 100 athletes took part in the state championships in both men’s and women’s disciplines. The velodrome’s construction was delayed considerably in the run up to the 2016 Olympics, prompting concern from the International Cycling Union. The building opened to athletes just weeks before the Games.
Written by Aaron Bauer
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