Historic cycling track - Wageningen

The Wageningen cycling track was built in 1933 as an employment project, with 70 unemployed people working on it. They had to dig out the pit, after which a twelve centimetre thick layer of concrete was poured. On 29 April 1934, the track was festively opened with a race in which professional cyclist Jan Pijnenburg participated.

With 7,500 standing places and 1,000 seats, the velodrome was a popular location for cycling races for many years. Races were even held there during the Second World War. Legendary cyclists from the 1950s, such as Wout Wagtmans and Wim van Est, could regularly be found here for training or competitions. Wagtmans, in particular, was a great cycling icon. He was known for his combativeness and was given nicknames such as ‘Olijke Woutje’ (cheerful little Wout).

After 1945, a holiday park was built around the track, and in 1967 the last official competition was held. Although no more competitions are held, the cycling track is still present at the holiday park and is a central part of it. Today, the track houses a playground, swimming pool and restaurant.

There were once plans to move the track to the Open Air Museum in Arnhem, but the costs proved too high. However, there are plans to recoat part of the track to improve its appearance. The track played an important role in cycling history and remains a recognisable element of the Wielerbaan Recreation Park, preserving a piece of sporting heritage.

Photo: ©National Archives