The location alone is spectacular: the stadium, named after Prince Louis II (1870-1949), is located in the district of Fontvielle, not far from the marina. Prince Rainier III ordered the 22-hectare headland to be reclaimed in the late 1960s. Next to the stadium, you can find everything that makes up the urbanity and quality of life of a city in a very small area: trade, education and culture, housing, parks, hotels and restaurants.

The stadium is perfectly integrated into the architecture of the densely built-up district and, despite the limited space available, offers an infrastructure that leaves nothing to be desired. It was inaugurated in 1985 by Prince Rainier III in the presence of Juan Antonio Samaranch, then President of the International Olympic Committee. High-profile competitors highlight the facility’s credentials: while it is also open to schools and amateur athletes, it meets international standards so that Monaco can host top-class competitions. An annual highlight is Herculis, an athletics event that has been part of the newly created IAAF Diamond League since 2010. For its tenth anniversary in 2020, the running tracks were scheduled for an upgrade. The architectural firm ARCH Monaco chose CONIPUR Vmax.

CONIPUR VMAX

The all-plastic surface for top sporting performance was developed in close cooperation with the German Sport University Cologne and has been tested and accredited in accordance with WA (World Athletics) specifications. The combination of an energy-reflecting base layer and a force-stabilising top layer offers a completely revolutionary running performance. The top layer ensures fast and controlled forward movement. The reduced energy requirement in the start and sprint phase enables athletes to achieve maximum running performance up to the finish line.

The defined air cells embedded in the base layer give the athlete the expended energy back after the compression. The system is characterised by an excellent structural integrity with low deformation. This reduces stress on the joints and ensures greater stability. The surface layer is also highly durable, giving the track maximum resistance and durability. This makes it suitable for multifunctional applications and events.

Records, records

The installation of the 7,700 m² surface by Revet Sport Assistance has already set a new record. Given the geographical location, delivery and access to the stadium proved to be a real challenge. Then came the Coronavirus pandemic. After the lockdown in spring, there were just three weeks left to install the surface. Of course, restrictions due to stricter hygiene measures were also in force. Fortunately, the two-layer structure allows CONIPUR Vmax to be installed very quickly. The attractive colour scheme makes the Hitec track a real eye-catcher: RAL 3001 for the competition zone and RAL 7036 for the training zone.

Soon after opening, CONIPUR Vmax proved its superior properties. Joshua Cheptegei from Uganda broke the world 5,000 m record, which has been held for 16 years, with a time of 12:35.36.

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