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.
2025 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.
| May 5 | Monday Night Structured Clinics Begin (thru Aug 25) |
| May 12 | Early Number Pick Up & Bike Swap |
| May 13 | Tuesday Open Training Begins (thru Aug 26) |
| May 15 | Thursday Night Racing Opening Night |
| May 17 | Sprinters Dream Omnium #1 |
| May 22 | 10&5 Mile Scratch Races |
| May 24 | Time Trial Saturday #1 |
| May 29 | Keirin Night |
| May 31 | Women’s Intro to Track Clinic |
| June 5 | Madison Night |
| June 12 | International Omnium |
| June 14 | Sprinters Dream Omnium #2 |
| June 19 | Mosora Memorial Points Races |
| June 21 | Masters State Championships |
| June 26 | Keirin Night |
| July 3 | W/T/F Night featuring Tremelling/Panveno/Kron Memorial Points |
| July 10 | Junior Invitational Points Race |
| July 12 | Sprinters Dream Omnium #3 |
| July 17 | Madison Night |
| July 19 | Time Trial Saturday #2 |
| July 24 | Keirin State Championships |
| July 31 | Scratch State Championships featuring RDL & Neimanas Trophy Races |
| Aug 7 | 10&5 Mile Scratch Races |
| Aug 14 | International Omnium State Championships |
| Aug 21 | Points Race State Championships |
| Aug 23-24 | Elite & Jr Sprint and Timed Event State Championships |
| Aug 28 | Madison State Championships |
| Sept 4 | Closing Night & BBQ |
| Oct 2025 | Awards Banquet |
Cycle Through the Parks!
Thank You George Garner Cyclery for Sponsoring Bike Repair Stations in Our Parks
