Chania’s mayor, Panagiotis Simandirakis, was pleasantly surprised by the rapid progress of the restoration works for the Velodrome of Kathiana in the Chania regional unit during an official visit to the site on Monday, May 20, 2024. It looks like the long-awaited rejuvenation of the track will end ahead of schedule, promising a world-class facility for athletes and enthusiasts alike.
Simandirakis affirmed that no extension of the restoration project would be required as the work is progressing swiftly and efficiently. He said that even though the contract called for completion in April 2025, it appears that the municipality could turn over the velodrome to the renowned Chania cycling family at the start of the year.
Significant advancements in the velodrome’s core infrastructure, like electrical and hydraulic networks, are ready. Within a month, the contractor will commence installing other essential equipment.
Velodrome of Kathiana to Open Ahead of Schedule
The municipality’s contract with the contractor, signed in September 2023, aims to deliver Greece’s second premier cycling track – after Athens – capable of hosting world-class training and competitions by 2025. The once-neglected cycle track of Kathiana, marred by years of abandonment and vandalism, will be reborn as the most modern sports infrastructure in Crete and the only one of its size in the nation.
As per the project’s design, the contractor will add a new eastern access point, reconstruct existing facilities, build new sports areas, and install cutting-edge electromechanical systems. At the heart of this transformation lies a brand-new track, meticulously designed by the renowned Dutch architect and cycle track builder Sander Douma, whose expertise was honed during the construction of the 2004 Olympic Games venue.
Funded by the Recovery Fund with an investment of 8 million euros, this project will provide a world-class training ground for Chania’s athletes, many of whom have achieved global acclaim yet have been forced to train on Crete’s road networks or seek opportunities abroad. Alongside the central cycling track, a BMX track is also planned, further diversifying the offerings for athletes and enthusiasts. Foreign teams have already expressed their eagerness to visit Chania as part of their training regimen, particularly during winter, drawn by the region’s mild climate and state-of-the-art facilities.