Fixing for Palma

Track cycling's best will be in attendance on the Spanish island of Mallorca this week as the World Championships take place in the brand new Palma Arena starting Thursday (March 29th to April 1st).

Construction of the 5185 seat (capacity can be expanded for other events) arena, seemed to follow the recent trend of constructing large scale sporting venues in Europe, as it took a flurry of activity to have it complete in a timely fashion (remember the Olympics in Athens?). With 500 men working simultaneously and 50 million Euros later (90% of the bill being picked up by the government), Palma was completed with just a little over a month to spare. Did I mention construction began in November of 2005.

The velodrome, however, has taken on the look of being one of track cycling's gems (notice all the natural lighting). You can follow the action through Fixed Gear Fever's Live Feed.

Wonder What 44 Degree Banking Looks Like?
Photo: Shane Stokes/Cyclingnews.com

America's hope for medals will hinge on the legs of our women, lead by World Champion Sarah Hammer (Photo: Mitch Clinton).

Team USA
Women:
Sarah Hammer (Temecula, Calif.) - Individual Pursuit, Points Race
Neva Day (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) - Individual Pursuit
Becky Quinn (Quakertown, Pa.) - Scratch Race
Jennie Reed (Kirkland, Wash) - Sprint, Keirin

Men:
Michael Creed (Colorado Springs, Colo.) - Points Race
Brad Huff (Fair Grove, Mo.) - Points Race, Omnium