Kissena Velodrome.

1964 US Olympic trials.

The Kissena Velodrome.

In 1962, Robert Moses built the Kissena Velodrome on Booth Memorial Avenue at Parsons Boulevard in Flushing, Queens. The track was envisioned as a showcase, and indeed it was: Our velodrome was featured as an attraction at the 1964 World’s Fair, and served as the host of the 1964 Olympic trials. Local racers dominated the trials, taking five of eight places on the U.S. squad.

Kissena would become known as the “track of dreams,” and so it remains today. From New York City kids just discovering the thrill of riding their bikes fast and aiming for the stars, to elite racers honing their technique and tactics with their sights on national and international championships … anyone who loves bikes and a sense of community loves our track and our family.

The 400-meter velodrome is made from NYC street asphalt, a cult track reminiscent of a city street. Bumpy, cracked, uneven – thrilling, fast, unpredictable – everything New York City.

The ’60s and ’70s

The heyday of Kissena roared through the 60’s and 70’s. Local races included the Wednesday Twilight racing series starting in 1965. The Wednesday Twilight series continues to this day!

The ‘80s and ‘90s

The torch stood the test of time at Kissena, and racing ran strong through the ’80s and ’90s. Notice track repairs, but all good (for now). In the late ’90s the track went into disarray. It continued to decline until it was basically unrideable.

The 2000’s

In the early 2000s, fortune would turn towards Kissena as the track of dreams received a fresh resurfacing thanks to a city grant from Mayor Michael Bloomberg and local Velodrome supporters. New York City failed in its bid for the 2012 Olympics, but its storied track emerged a renovated winner.

John Campo led the charge, Alan Atwood ran races and Deirdre Murphy Bader and Delroy Walters created the Star Track youth program in collaboration with NYC Parks.

Since 2004 programming at Kissena has thrived thanks to Alan Atwood, Jim Lyman, Joe Brennan, Karl Dittebrandt and our incredible local track officials.

But we mostly want to thank our NYC track racers, teams and parents who support racing track bikes.