Accoya gears up for cycle track history

Accoya, the world-leading wood manufactured by Accsys Technologies, has been used to construct two velodromes in the Netherlands.

The first cycle track, located in Apeldoorn, central Netherlands, will be the first indoor velodrome in the world made from Accoya. Experts predict that the unique wood flooring in Omnisport’s UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) velodrome will lead to a raft of cycling world records.

Siberian pine and larch wood are the traditional materials used for a covered velodrome. However, specialist velodrome architect and avid cycler, Sander Douma of Sander Douma Architects, expressly chose Accoya for the project due to its unique properties.

Mr Douma said: "It is the modification process that makes Accoya perfect for velodromes. The smooth texture makes for a very fast track; the finished track has fewer seams than a standard velodrome, meaning cyclists will benefit from less resistance and fewer fractional losses in speed as they attempt to record faster times.”

The team behind the design know that every cycle track is unique and they use specialist programmes to calculate the structure of the circuit as well as the curvature and fall velocity of the track to create the most efficient structures.

The completed UCI race track is 250 metres long and 7 metres wide.

Taking six weeks for 12 craftsmen to finish laying the velodrome track, the Omnisport Apeldoorn will open to the public in mid-September 2016.

Sander Douma Architects were also appointed to lead the creation of a 200 metre outdoor cycle track in the town of Assen, northeast Netherlands, which was completed earlier this year. A much anticipated project, local cycling enthusiasts had been campaigning for the cycle track for over 30 years.

Over 40 kilometres of untreated Accoya sections were applied by hand, using 6cm wide beams which were prefabricated. A liquid rubber coating was then applied which formed the desired watertight connection of the final structure.

It was decided that the cycle track would initially be an external structure, however there are plans to build a canopy in the future and as a result the architects have been careful to use materials which will be suitable for both set ups.

Made with FSC certified wood from legal, manageable and sustainable forests, Accoya is in an attractive wood product which is Cradle to Cradle Gold certified and is guaranteed for 50 years above ground.

Laura Ladd, head of marketing at Accsys Technologies, added: “Accoya is proven as a sustainable, durable, and stable product, making it perfect for demanding application such as cycle tracks. We are very much looking forward to seeing the reactions of the Dutch cycling community when Omnisport Apeldoorn opens its doors later this year.”