BASF has developed top-of-the-range polyurethane-based Conipur? M surface for the world's most important athletic arenas. Installing an athletic track with it is a stepwise procedure, resulting in a three-layered finished system altogether about 14 mm thick. Tiny air chambers in the first two layers provide stress-free conditions for athletes'joints and have shock-absorbing properties.

The topmost layer is applied with as few air inclusions as possible, thereby ensuring maximum return of energy to the athlete. Company officials revealed that after several years of use, it can be cost-effectively restored to 'as good as new'conditions by a retopping process.