July 1, 1893 – It was a beautiful day for a bike ride! At least in San Francisco where on this day they opened the first American wooden bicycle race track. Velodrome is the proper name of the venues that started popping up all over the world in the late 19th and early twentieth century as people racing bikes around a wooden oval track was all the rage.
According to Wikipedia, the first such cycling stadium was built in 1877, the Preston Park Velodrome in Brighton, United Kingdom, constructed by the British Army. Some of these sites after that were purpose-built just for cycling, and others were built as part of facilities for other sports; many were built around athletics tracks or other grounds and any banking was shallow.
We have talked about football fields being placed in the infield of these velodromes on many of football history podcasts on SHN.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network
Remembering Charley Trippi (Pro Football Hall of Famer)
We recently learned of the passing of Charley Trippi, one of the most versatile
Boxing Throughout the Years: Fights that Left a Mark in the World
Boxing has been providing fantastic entertainment for fans throughout the years. Sometimes, a bout becomes
How Sports Venues Inspired Modern Restaurant Furniture Throughout History
Not many people are aware of the close connection between the design of modern
Remembering Roy Wayne Farris as “The Honky Tonk Man”
“Sha Na Na” was a syndicated comedy variety show featuring the 50’s style rock &
The Greatest Phoenix Suns Players of All Time
Since joining the NBA in 1968, the Phoenix Suns have been home to some
Jack Glynn: Teenage General Manager For Chicago Cardinals
In the early years of the 20th century before the start of the National
Super Bowl XLIV (New Orleans Saints vs. Indianapolis Colts): An Ultimate Recount of the Game
Today we have Super Bowl XLIV, which was held on February 7, 2010, at
What Are the Odds? Giants and Jets Make Unwanted History at MetLife Stadium
The start of the 2024 NFL season has seen somewhat underwhelming performances from both