Wood is a widely used material in the construction industry, and it has been utilized for thousands of years to create buildings and other structures. When wooden structures are designed, built, and maintained properly, they can be safe and long-lasting. Sports facilities, which provide athletes with a space to train, compete, and improve their abilities, are crucial in creating a strong and sustainable sports ecosystem in a country. The Češča vas velodrome was built in 1996 to host the World Youth Cycling Championships. After the championships, the local cycling club maintained the velodrome, but it was left uncovered and exposed to the weathering. The renovation of the velodrome began in 2018, and it was discovered that the riding surface was severely damaged, and the wooden column structure had extensive decay. During the renovation process, the structural integrity of the velodrome was assessed to determine whether all elements of the structure needed to be replaced or if some could be saved. Visual assessment of decay was carried out by piercing the wood with a knife, and decay was also quantified using resistograph measurements. Samples were isolated from the respective structure. Light microscopy was used to identify the wood species used for the riding surface, and the resistance of the wood to wood-decaying basidiomycetes was investigated. Water resistance was also assessed using contact angle measurements, short-term capillary water absorption, exposure to high relative humidity, and immersion in water.

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