Did the roar of the crowd ever echo here at Alkek Velodrome as loudly as it did for Lawson Craddock in 2018? Alkek Velodrome, nestled within Cullen Park in West Houston, has witnessed its share of triumphs and tribulations. It stands as a lone sentinel of track cycling in Texas, its 333-meter concrete track a testament to speed and endurance. Built in 1986, Alkek Velodrome quickly became a hub for cycling enthusiasts. It has hosted local races, national championships, and even Olympic qualifiers. The track’s curves, banked at a daunting 33 degrees, contrast sharply with the gentler 9-degree incline of the straights. This unique design challenges riders, pushing them to their limits.
Alkek Velodrome has seen cycling legends grace its track. The 1988 Olympic Trials here featured stars like Nelson Vails and Connie Young, alongside Olympic gold medalist Mark Gorski. Even international rivalries have played out on this very concrete. In 1989, the Branders Invitational saw the USA and USSR compete, an event marked not only by athletic prowess but also by a bizarre burglary involving the Soviet team. The Houston Parks Board even stepped in, paying $1500 to replace the stolen funds and documents.
Alkek Velodrome continued to attract top talent. The 1996 EDS Grand Prix brought in cycling luminaries like Nicole Reinhart, Paul Swift, and Trey Gannon. Olympic gold medalist Marty Nothstein and future world champion Jenny Reed also competed here, adding to the velodrome’s prestigious history. The track even hosted seven National Championships and National Team Training Camps. Before the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, the Australian team trained at Alkek, setting several records that remain unbroken to this day.
But Alkek Velodrome’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In September 2017, Hurricane Harvey dealt a devastating blow, halting operations for the remainder of the year. The dedicated volunteers and the Greater Houston Cycling Foundation (GHCF) rallied, reopening the track the following year. Then came Lawson Craddock’s inspiring story. Injured in the 2018 Tour de France, he pledged to raise $100 for each stage he completed. His determination captured the world’s attention, and upon his return to Houston, he presented a check for over $250,000, raised through a GoFundMe campaign, at a special Friday night race at Alkek Velodrome.
The GHCF, a non-profit organization, took over management of Alkek Velodrome from the City of Houston in 2007. They have nurtured local talent and provided a platform for riders to achieve national and international success. Alkek Velodrome remains a vibrant part of the Houston cycling community. It continues to foster a love for track cycling, inspiring future generations of champions.