Originally an interwar velodrome, later expanded and roofed in 1969 according to a design by Mojmír Korvas and Ferdinand Lederer, the Brno Velodrome is the oldest still-functioning structure of its kind in the world.
The history of the Brno Velodrome dates back to 1889, when a clay cycling track known as “Bauerák” was established on the site, named after its founder Viktor Bauer. This makes the Brno Velodrome the oldest continuously operating venue of its type in the world. The only older surviving structure can be found in Brighton, although it does not have the character of a velodrome, as it is a grass cycling track. The current form of the Brno Velodrome dates from 1967–1969, when the banked concrete track from the early 1950s was upgraded for the 1969 UCI Track Cycling World Championships. The redevelopment included spectator stands, partial roofing, facilities for athletes and visitors (changing rooms, gym, sauna, café, ticket offices), and accommodation buildings. The project was realised through the so-called “Action Z” system—a form of community-led volunteer construction of public buildings—involving members of the Favorit sports club and employees of the Brno Exhibition Centre.
The concrete cycling oval measures 400 metres in length and 7 metres in width, with steeply banked corners. Connected to the track is a stepped grandstand with a capacity of 14,000 spectators. The roof is suspended on steel cables anchored to central steel pylons and concrete columns defining the rear of the stand, which is clad in corrugated metal sheeting. The lower supporting structure carrying the seating is made of monolithic reinforced concrete. The site also includes a two-storey building containing changing rooms and facilities for athletes.
Typologically, the 1960s form of the Brno Velodrome was inspired by the Velodromo Vigorelli in Milan and likely influenced the design of the velodrome in Leipzig. Unlike the Brno Velodrome, the velodromes in Milan and Leipzig are heritage protected and have undergone modernisation in the last decade. Although the Brno Velodrome—with its unique history—still hosts international track cycling events and continues to serve its original purpose, recent years have seen ongoing discussions about its possible demolition and relocation to another part of the city.
