Ed Rudolph Velodrome
Ed Rudolph Velodrome, Maple Avenue, Northbrook, IL, USA
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Amenities: Lighted Cycling Track/Velodrome, Soccer Field
The Ed Rudolph Velodrome is one of two short, banked tracks for official bicycle racing in Illinois and one of 28 in the country. For more than 50 years, the distinctive Velodrome has offered cycle racing, training and entertainment. The facility is named after a devoted cyclist and speed skater, the late Ed Rudolph, who served on the Park District Board of Commissioners for almost 30 years.
The Northbrook Park District offers a Youth Cycling Program and special events at the track. Northbrook residents can use the quarter-mile track when it’s not reserved for races, training or Park District events.
On Thursday nights in the summer, the Velodrome attracts top cyclists from the Midwest to weekly races, hosted by the Northbrook Cycle Committee. About 200 riders take part in the Thursday night races, achieving speeds of up to 45 miles per hour.
Racers use track bikes with fixed gears and no brakes. Spectators are welcome at $3 per person (Children 12 and under are free). Spectators enjoy a front-row seat to the action and share the exhilaration as they support the riders.
The Northbrook Park District encourages everyone to visit the Velodrome and experience the excitement of racing up close.
History
Former Park District Commissioner Ed Rudolph helped design and build the bicycle track in 1960 with a perimeter for track cycling and a grassy infield for soccer games. During the winters, the Velodrome was flooded to create a speed skating rink and served as a practice rink for members of U.S. Winter Olympics teams. In the 1990s, the Park District ended that practice, due to the facility’s inability to retain water, which seeped through the soccer field. The track’s asphalt was resurfaced in 1989 and in 2004, and lights and seating have been added.
2026 Northbrook Cycle Committee Schedule
Events organized by the Northbrook Cycle Committee. All dates are subject to change/cancellation due to weather or rescheduling. Visit northbrookcyclecommittee.org opens in new tab for updates and more details.
| May 4 | Monday Night Structured Clinics Begin (thru Aug 31) |
| May 11 | Early Number Pick Up & Bike Swap |
| May 12 | Tuesday Open Training Begins (thru Aug 25) |
| May 14 | Thursday Night Racing Opening Night |
| May 16 | Sprinters Dream Omnium #1 |
| May 21 | 10&5 Mile Scratch Races |
| May 23 | Time Trial Saturday #1 |
| May 28 | Keirin Night |
| May 30 | Women’s Intro to Track Clinic #1 |
| June 4 | Madison Night |
| June 11 | International Omnium |
| June 13 | Sprinters Dream Omnium #2 |
| June 18 | Mosora Memorial Points Races |
| June 20 | Masters State Championships |
| June 25 | Keirin Night |
| June 27 | Intro to Track Clinic |
| July 2 | Women’s Night featuring Tremelling / Panveno / Kron Memorial Points |
| July 9 | Junior Invitational Points Race |
| July 11 | Women’s Intro to Track Clinic #2 |
| July 16 | Madison Night |
| July 18 | Time Trial Saturday #2 |
| July 23 | Keirin State Championships |
| July 25 | Sprinters Dream Omnium #3 |
| July 30 | Scratch State Championships featuring RDL & Neimanas Trophy Races |
| Aug 6 | 10&5 Mile Scratch Races |
| Aug 13 | International Omnium State Championships |
| Aug 20 | Points Race State Championships |
| Aug 22-23 | Elite & Jr Sprint and Timed Event State Championships |
| Aug 27 | Madison State Championships |
| Sept 3 | Closing Night & BBQ |
| Oct 2026 | Awards Banquet |
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Thank You George Garner Cyclery for Sponsoring Bike Repair Stations in Our Parks
