A three-day sport test at the Rio 2016 Olympic Velodrome has received praise ©Rio 2016/Alex Ferro

International Cycling Union (UCI) track and Para-cycling manager Gilles Peruzzi has claimed there has been “great progress” at the Olympic Velodrome in Rio de Janeiro after a low-key test event was held at the venue.

The venue has been a source of major concern in the build-up to the Olympic Games, with construction delays having raised doubts over the readiness of the facility during recent months.

An official test event at the venue had been due to take place during March, but delays in laying the track forced the competition to be postponed until April, before being scrapped entirely by organisers.

The test event, known as the Aquece Rio International Track Cycling Challenge, was supposed to be the first event held at the venue.

A replacement sport test, held over three-days, took place this weekend to allow international riders to gain a feel of the track.

It coincided with an official handover, which took place a day late due to delays, was held on Sunday (June 26) with Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes and Rio 2016 President Carlos Nuzman among those in attendance.

“We are very happy with the outcome of the sports test,” said Peruzzi afterwards.

“There has been great progress in the last few weeks.

“It’s a very good venue.”

Men's and women's omnium events were held to give cyclists a feel for the track ©Rio 2016/Alex Ferro
Men's and women's omnium events were held to give cyclists a feel for the track ©Rio 2016/Alex Ferro

According to Globo, black and green cloths had covered a large part of the venue in which work is still being completed, with journalists restricted to just one area during the handover event.

Last month, it was suggested that work was still required on the suspended ceiling system, as well as the heating and cooling system.

insidethegames was told in May that the base framework of the seating was still under construction, while media tribunes and elevators at the velodrome were also incomplete.

Six countries were represented in the sport test which saw men's and women's omnium competitions held, with Carolina Barbosa Alves do Nascimento winning the women’s event for the hosts.

Gael Suter, due to compete in the men’s omnium for Switzerland at Rio 2016, praised the track and believes it will aid fast times being achieved.

“The track is fast and smooth and the wood is great, I think some great times will be done in the Olympics," said Suter. 

“I can't wait to come back in August, there will be some great races.

"I am very happy to discover this beautiful track, it was a great opportunity.”