WORK is now underway on the 2012 Olympics cycle track where the local council once dumped rubbish. Construction has begun on the site of the former West Ham municipal tip

WORK is now underway on the 2012 Olympics cycle track where the local council once dumped rubbish.

Construction has begun on the Velodrome at Stratford on the site of the former West Ham municipal tip.

The land has been cleaned up and 900 piles are being driven up to 80ft into the ground to form the foundations.

Chief architect Mike Taylor said: "We're currently working on the internal details to create the fastest cycle track in the world for 2012 and for future generations of cyclists after the Games.

"We're eagerly waiting to see the new Velodrome rise from the ground and become a recognisable landmark on the changing skyline of East London."

The work has begun the same week as the start of the Track Cycling world championships in Poland when Britain's medal-winning team from last summer's Beijing Olympics are back in action.

The 6,000-seater venue is being designed to create a 'warm' crowd atmosphere to help cycle performance and give the GB team, which won nine golds at last year's world championships, a 'home advantage' in 2012.