Glasgow’s new indoor velodrome has been christened by perhaps the most qualified person to do so: Sir Chris Hoy.

Hoy became to first cyclist to ride the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome ahead of its opening on Friday October 5.

The facility is Scotland’s only indoor velodrome and features a 250m, timber cycle track, a 1.2m depressed track centre, a 2,500 spectator capacity and ancillary facilities including changing facilities, cycle stores for the national squad, equipment stores and an event control space.

Construction of the venue commenced in January 2010, with the internationally renowned designer Ralf Schuermann starting work in March of this year.

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Schuermann is widely regarded as one of the world’s top velodrome designers, with over 140 to his name, including the 2008 Olympic Games cycling venue in Beijing.

The Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome is his latest creation.

Speaking after his trial ride, Hoy said: "It was a very special feeling to ride the track for the first time today. To have this velodrome named after me is a huge honour and something that I am very proud of.

"I have been fortunate to ride in the world's best velodromes and I can tell that this venue is going to be very special. It has a fantastic design and feels like it's going to be very fast. I'm looking forward to coming back for the world cup as a spectator - it will be great to see the riders perform in front of a packed crowd."

The Deputy Leader of Glasgow City Council and the Executive Member for the Commonwealth Games, Councillor Archie Graham, said: "Seeing our greatest Olympian on the velodrome named in his honour for the first time will be remembered as one of the great moments in Glasgow's proud sporting history."

(IT/GK)