Desert Cycling With a World-First Velodrome

Tucson is already a mecca for cyclists. It's famous for the grueling climb up Mount Lemmon, its sunny winter training camps, and the legendary mass ride nicknamed "The Shootout." Now the city is shifting into high gear with something truly next-level.

Meet the brand-new Tucson Velodrome, Arizona’s first Olympic-style track and the world’s first velodrome surfaced entirely in aluminum.

This facility isn’t just a flashy addition. It cements Tucson’s status as a global cycling destination and brings a fresh, thrilling experience for locals and visitors alike.

Why Aluminum? A Track Built for the Sonoran Desert

The Sonoran Desert brings its own challenges: summer temperatures routinely soar past 100 °F (37 °C) and traditional outdoor materials struggle to keep pace. A wooden outdoor track risks warping, a concrete surface might crack or degrade prematurely.

Enter aluminum. The Tucson Velodrome uses an all-aluminum surface, engineered for durability under extreme heat, minimal maintenance, and year-round performance.

The track’s surface was chosen precisely to thrive in Tucson’s climate. It was designed by Canadian engineer Peter Junek (who has built dozens of velodromes worldwide).

The Specs: What Makes This Track World-Class

• 250 meters in length, meeting Olympic standard for track cycling.
• Turns banked at 42 degrees — brace for real G-force when you lean into the curves.
• Facility amenities: professional Musco lighting for night riding, an underground access tunnel for athletes, grandstand seating for spectators, and a multifunctional indoor space in the infield.

Who Can Ride? (It’s For You, Too!)

While the Tucson Velodrome is designed to attract Olympic‐level and professional squads for winter training, it’s also open to the broader community. There is a safety requirement: first-time track riders must complete a certification course before hitting the banking. The vision goes beyond adult riders: youth programs, instructional classes, and school partnerships are in the works, aiming to nurture the next generation of Arizona track cyclists.

Arizona’s Cycling Future Is Here

The Tucson Velodrome is more than just another addition to Tucson’s cycling landscape. It’s a landmark, a statement, a new frontier for outdoor sport in Arizona. Ready to check it out? Head to the official site at tucsonvelodrome.com for opening schedules, certification course info, and race events.