Inside of the Velodrom Rawamangun cycle track in Jakarta, Indonesia (Photo: VNA) Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesia has strived to complete refurbishment of the Velodrom Rawamangun cycle track in Jakarta for the 18th Asian Games (ASIAD 18) by the end of April, before the Ramadan month of Muslims.
The cycle track is expected to meet the international standard set by Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), with the bottom’s height of 250m. The wood used for the track was from Siberia, based on UCI specification.
Velodrom Rawamangun Project Director Iwan Takwin said more than 90 percent of the work has been finished. Installation of lighting and sound systems and electronic display are set to be completed soon, he added.
Host Indonesia hoped that Velodrom Rawamangun will be the largest cycle track in Asia. The venue, built in 1973, is currently being upgraded at a cost of 665 billion rupiah (51.15 million USD) to stage cycling events of the ASIAD 18 and may accommodate up to 3,000 spectators.
The ASIAD 18 will draw 15,000 athletes and coaches from 45 sport delegations competing in 40 sports, 67 disciplines and 463 events. More than 30,000 volunteers will support the event.
The Games will feature 32 Olympic sports in a bid to help athletes prepare for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Competitions of 38 sports will be broadcast live.
The Games will take place in Jakarta and Palembang from August 18 to September 2, 2018.
Indonesia hosted the ASIAD in 1962 and the Southeast Asian Games in 2011.-VNA
