Olympic Champion Maris Strombergs’ BMX Track / Balta Istaba

The Māris Štrombergs BMX track in Valmiera, Latvia – named after the two-time Olympic and world champion from Latvia – is a significant contribution to both the global sport of BMX and to the regional sports infrastructure of Latvia. ‘This is one of the few BMX tracks in the world designed not only with a focus on UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) regulations and athlete comfort and safety, but also on the aesthetics of the facility’s architecture. In addition to the building being a highly functional sports facility, it also serves as a bold icon of recognition for the city,’ emphasises Ilze Rukmane-Poča, the architect of the new facility.