London's Olympic velodrome has ridden off with a top award.

The 6,000-seat track cycling venue beat off 26 rival projects, including the £486 million Olympic Stadium and the colourful Central Park Bridge at the Olympic Park near the Aquatics Centre, to win the Prime Minister's Better Public Building Award.

The prize, part of the British Construction Industry Awards, recognises the best of British design in new buildings, places and spaces that can help improve public service.

The velodrome, part of the £93 million Olympic Velopark, comes complete with a sweeping roof designed to reflect the curve of the cycling track and is clad in western red cedar timber.

Hopkins Architects, Expedition Engineering and BDSP were part of the design team while it was built by contractor ISG.

Building work began in March 2009 and by February 2011 it became the first venue at the Olympic Park to be finished.

After the Games, it will be used by elite athletes and the local community, and include a cafe, bike hire and cycle workshop facilities.

Olympic Delivery Authority 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."

London's Tate Modern, the City Learning Centre in Bristol, Bournemouth Library and the A650 Bingley relief road are among previous winners.