Picture this a concrete oval bathed in the Prague sun. This is Velodrom Třebešín. A hidden gem nestled in the villa district of Třebešín. This isn’t just any cycling track. It’s a testament to resilience and a tribute to the spirit of Prague’s cycling community.
Velodrom Třebešín wasn’t built overnight. It was born in 1941. Built around a football pitch. It was a labor of love. Cyclists themselves built it. They used little more than their own strength. They received help from construction workers and engineers. The initial track was 412 meters long and 6 meters wide. Two banked curves had a 22 degree slope. The first race started at 4 pm on July 7 1941. Thousands of spectators attended. Sprinters chasers road racers even motor-paced cyclists raced here.
But the early Velodrom Třebešín was short lived. The concrete began to crumble. The northern curve cracked. A summer storm destroyed a large grandstand for four thousand spectators. The velodrome needed a complete makeover.
In 1951 a reconstruction began. This was thanks to Miroslav Jung and TJ Tesla Žižkov. The football pitch was removed. A small tunnel was constructed under the stands. The new velodrome was designed by former cyclist Karel Cibulka. It had a smooth surface. Banked curves remained at 22 degrees. The straightaways had a gentler slope. The track measured 381 meters. It was 7 meters wide.
Yet challenges persisted. The unstable embankment under the north curve remained a problem. The track had to be torn down and rebuilt completely. From the end of the 1966 season until its opening in June 1971. The reconstruction was overseen by TJ KOVO. It followed Ing. Karel Cibulka’s design again. Military Construction Prague Water Construction and Metrostav did the building work. Triga was the general contractor.
Today Velodrom Třebešín is one of the fastest tracks in the Czech Republic. It’s 333.33 meters long and 7.8 meters wide. Banked curves now have a 34 degree slope. The straightaways have a 7 degree slope. It hosts prestigious races including the second oldest sprint race in the world the Framaru Grand Prix. It stands as a symbol of enduring passion. It shows the dedication of Prague’s cycling legacy. A legacy built and rebuilt with sweat determination and a love for the sport. A place where history and speed intertwine. A place you won’t soon forget.