Narrabundah Velodrome "The Bundahdome"

The Narrabundah Velodrome, affectionately known to Canberra cyclists as “The Bundahdome”, is an outdoor track cycling venue in Narrabundah, Canberra ACT and an important part of the city’s cycling history. Opened in 1972, the concrete velodrome has hosted more than 50 years of track racing, training, junior development and ACT championship events. Its distinctive steep banking and outdoor setting have helped give the track plenty of character, with generations of Canberra riders learning their craft here. The Bundahdome has produced and developed an impressive list of Australian cyclists, with riders associated with the track including Mathew Hayman, Michael Rogers, Rebecca Wiasak, Nathan Hart, Oenone Wood, Sue Powell and Michael Milton. Hayman went on to famously win Paris–Roubaix in 2016, while the velodrome has continued to provide a pathway from junior cycling through to elite competition. After being closed in 2013 because of concerns about the ageing track surface, the velodrome underwent a major $1.5 million safety upgrade, including resurfacing and improvements to the transitions between the steeply banked bends and straights. It reopened in 2014 and continues to be used for organised track cycling. Today, the Narrabundah Velodrome remains home to track training, junior development and racing, with Vikings Cycling Club ACT running track programs at the venue and the Capital Region Masters Cycling Club holding seasonal racing. Vikings also provides junior track bikes for its development program, making the Bundahdome an excellent place for Canberra riders interested in getting started in track cycling. RTS Tip: The Bundahdome is a proper banked velodrome rather than a casual recreational cycle loop, so don’t simply roll onto the track without understanding track-riding etiquette. Organised sessions are the best way for newcomers to experience it, and track bikes are available through some club programs. The steep banking can be intimidating at first, so learn the correct entry, exit and passing procedures and build your speed and confidence gradually.