Australian cyclists set for first real look at velodrome in Rio

AUSTRALIA’S track cyclists will finally get their first real look at the new velodrome in Rio on Thursday after studying GoPro footage of the track from their LA training camp.

The Olympic velodrome in Rio de Janeiro.

AUSTRALIA’S track cyclists will finally get their first real look at the new velodrome in Rio on Thursday after studying GoPro footage of the track from their Los Angeles training camp.

Construction delays in Rio meant none of the Australian riders could attend last month’s test event but Cycling Australia sent a coach and younger member of the squad to record race-day footage to share with the rest of the team.

The track sprinters led by Australian flag-bearer Anna Meares were set to arrive in Brazil on Wednesday night (Australian time) for two weeks of training before competition starts.

But a lot of the hard work has been done in Los Angeles where the sprinters held their pre-Games camp.

“We had a look at some footage so we’ll have a first-person perspective (of the track),” Olympic debutant Pat Constable said.

“And we’ve been riding the track in LA and the geometry of the track is very similar (to Rio).

The Olympic velodrome in Rio de Janeiro.

“Hopefully the transition between the two tracks isn’t as severe as it might have been from Adelaide straight to Rio.

“Any new track is exciting, it’s going to be in good condition and really smooth.”

Constable, 21, forms part of Australia’s three-man team sprint alongside Glaetzer and Nathan Hart.

Both he and Hart as well as Stephanie Morton will make their Olympic debuts in Rio and four-time Olympian Meares has told them what to expect.

Australian track cyclist Pat Constable.

“Anna is good with what to expect in the village, how daily life goes down for the three weeks,” Constable said.

“There’s a few subtle changes when you’re in the velodrome like the noise, she was going back to London and it’s really hyped up in there and you’ve got to execute like you know how.

“We’ve done a few rehearsal days which have been pretty positive, a bit with our psych running through what we may encounter when we’re in Rio and in the village.

“I’m going to treat it like any other event that I’ve been to, I’ve raced a worlds (world championships) and a few world cups.

“Hopefully I can learn a lot from Matt and Anna and (reserve rider) Kaarle (McCulloch) as well, those guys have been through the process and I’ll have an understanding of what to expect.”

Six years ago Constable was playing football and competing in surf life saving in Adelaide when he picked up a flyer about cycling while watching a stage of the Tour Down Under.

“Someone was walking past handing out flyers and I picked one up and went along to the talent ID testing at the velodrome,” he said.

“I guess it’s good with the testing you know you’re physically capable.”

Olympic veteran Anna Meares.

Constable emerged through the SA Sports Institute and last year joined the national high performance program which has led him to Rio. He is constantly reminded about his approach to racing by a tattoo on his ribs of the Latin words ‘solum pro victroia’ which means ‘only for victory’.

“I got it when I was 17 and it’s subtle, it reminds me when I’m training what I’m doing it for,” Constable said.

“We’re not there to fill out the numbers that’s for sure, especially in the Australian team we’re very competitive in track cycling so anyone in my position or any other in the team we’re going to win medals.”

Originally published as Australian cyclists set for first real look at velodrome in Rio