Velodrome Prešov It is a multi-purpose sports complex designed primarily for track cycling. Located close to the city centre, it covers an area of approximately 30,000 m² and is one of Prešov’s major sports facilities. Its main feature is the cycling oval with Olympic standards, which, according to available regional and sporting sources, is the only velodrome in Slovakia.
The history of the Prešov velodrome
Preparations for the site of the velodrome began as early as 1981. The construction itself took place between 1983 to 1989. The velodrome was officially opened 19 June 1989. At the opening ceremony, the Olympic champion and three-time world champion in track cycling, Anton Tkáč, was the symbolic first athlete on the track, completing the first lap of honour around the oval.
Track cycling in Prešov
The Prešov velodrome has hosted a number of major domestic and international cycling events. The following events have taken place here Slovak Track Cycling Championships, the Slovak Cup races and the international Prešov Grand Prix.
The venue is also associated with prominent figures in Slovak cycling. Lenka Ilavská-Litvinová, a successful Slovak cyclist and Olympian, won two championship titles at the Prešov velodrome. In 2003, the then thirteen-year-old also rode at the velodrome Peter Sagan together with his brother Juraj.
Renovation of the sports complex
Following a period during which the site gradually fell into disrepair and ceased to be used regularly, work began on its regeneration. Major refurbishment work has been taking place mainly since 2014. The track, barriers, stands and entrance building have all been refurbished. The technical infrastructure has also been modernised, and a professional timing system has been installed on the premises.
The refurbished venue has once again made it possible to host top-level sporting events. The Prešov velodrome was awarded in 2019 UCI homologation certificate for Category C1 events, thereby establishing itself as one of the tracks capable of hosting high-calibre international races.
Sport and cycle tourism
The velodrome is not just for professional cyclists. The complex offers opportunities for active leisure activities for people of all ages and can also serve as a starting point for cycling trips around Prešov and the wider Šariš region.
Its location is an advantage not far from the town centre and on the EuroVelo 11 international cycle route. There are also other options for cyclists in the surrounding area, including the singletrails in Prešov.
Source: OOCR RŠ
Source of photographs: OOCR RŠ
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Velodrome Prešov It is situated approximately 500 metres from the city centre and covers an area of around 30,000 m². An interesting fact is that, according to the regional tourism portal, the nearest other velodrome in the vicinity is in Brno, some 500 kilometres from Prešov.
The site could also be an interesting stop for cycle tourists. This is because it is situated along the EuroVelo 11 international cycle route and there are other cycle routes and single tracks in the surrounding area.
Throughout the year, the track hosts cycling races and events, which can be a chance to experience the atmosphere track cycling, specifically from the perspective of. Specific access to the track and the options for using it depend on the current sporting programme and the venue’s operating arrangements.
