Olympic track cycling test events postponed due to delays in finishing velodrome

Delays in laying the track at the new Olympic velodrome in Rio de Janeiro have forced organisers to postpone the upcoming track cycling test events.

The event, originally scheduled between March 18 and 20, has been put back to April 29-May 1 after a setback in completing the velodrome, which means it will clash with the Handball test event.

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According to insidethegames.biz, organisers have claimed the venue was 76 per cent complete in December, although it is noted that the velodrome has lagged behind other venues in the Barra de Tijuca Olympic Park.

“Rio 2016 and the International Cycling Union (UCI) look forward to an exciting test event and will continue to work closely together in the preparation and planning for both the test event and the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Rio 2016 said in a statement.

“There is no impact on the Games-time competitions, with Olympic track cycling taking place from 11-16 August and Paralympic track cycling from 8-11 September.”

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The Rio Games have been dogged by claims that venues will not be finished, although most of the stadia in the Olympic Park are on schedule for completion ahead of the Games, held between August 5 and 23.