The Velodrome is riding off with a public building award after overtaking the Olympic Stadium at the finishing line.

The Velodrome was last night awarded the Prime Minister’s Better Public Building Award – a prestigious accolade recognising the best of British design and service.

The 6,000-seat venue will host the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic track cycling events.

After the Games the Velodrome will be used by elite athletes, local and wider communities, and will feature a caf�, bike-hire and cycle workshop facilities.

ODA chairman John Armitt said: “This is a tremendous achievement for a venue that combines innovative architecture, engineering and construction into a stunning and sustainable building. Along with its striking design, the Velodrome also places sport at its heart, creating a world-class facility for the Games and for a new generation of cyclists to train and compete on in future.”

The award scheme recognises new buildings, places and spaces that improve the delivery of public services.

Judges picked the Velodrome from a list of 27 projects from across the UK, including the Olympic Stadium and the colourful Central Park Bridge that spans over the River Lea between the Stadium and Aquatics Centre.