Velodrome to re-open after new track installed
1 Aug 2007 11:05 AM
The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Glynn Evans, re-opened Manchester Velodrome this week, July 30 2007, with a ceremony attended by Chief Executive of British Cycling, Peter King and Regional Sports Board Member of Sport England, Carole Hassan.
Gold medallist Chris Boardman broke the world-hour record in the Velodrome, which has also hosted two World Championships, several World Cups and the XVII Commonwealth Games. The Velodrome has now been resurfaced to ensure the track continues to host such high calibre international events as well as delivering community programmes.
Stewart Kellett, Regional Director of Sport England said: "Sport England is delighted to fund the resurfacing; it is wonderful that so many elite and amateur cyclists have been able to enjoy the Velodrome. Sport England surveys show that cycling is one of the region's favourite sports, and with only five years to go until the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, I am sure that the Velodrome, it's community facilities and the presence of GB elite cyclists, will continue to inspire the next generation of champions.
Building on the legacy of the 2002 Commonwealth Games, this new track is the first phase of a strategic vision which will see new athlete accommodation and a national BMX centre."
Chairman of The Velodrome Trust, Mr. Peter Thomas MBE, said: "The completion of the track refurbishment will ensure that Manchester Velodrome will continue to be the premier facility of its kind in the world. The investment represents a significant a vote of confidence in the Velodrome and will enable it to continue to meet the needs of the highly successful British team, and the many other cyclists of all levels of ability who regularly use the facilities".
Manchester Velodrome is the National Cycling Centre, home of Britain Cycling, the governing body of cycle sport in the UK, and the most heavily used indoor track in the world. The new track will reopen in July for bookings from schools, clubs and community groups, as well as support the Great Britain Cycling Team in the lead up to the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
The track resurfacing has been funded through a partnership between Manchester City Council, Sport England and the British Cycling Federation, who appointed ISG Totty as lead contractor. J Von Lutckens, a German company, specialising in velodrome track building and replacement, carried out the work.
This project is part of an exciting time for cycling in Manchester, with other developments including a BMX Race Track in Platt Fields Park, and hosting the Track World Championships in March 2008.
Executive member for culture and leisure at Manchester City Council, Cllr Mike Kane, said: "The resurfacing of the track is the first in a series of high profile initiatives to promote cycling in the City. The swift and successful completion of the project is thanks to a strong partnership between the funding bodies, contractors and Manchester Velodrome staff, and shows Manchester's ongoing commitment to cycling development for the communities of Manchester."
British Cycling Chief Executive Peter King, said: "The new track is obviously a big boost to the GB Team which will be training and racing on it during the vital run-in to the 2008 World Championships and Beijing Olympics. The new surface ensures that the venue will maintain its reputation as one of the very best facilities in the world, popular with riders and fans alike".
The first major event for the new track is the Track Cycling World Championships in March 2008, when the British team will be looking to increase their medal haul on home soil, and break world records on the improved surface.
Useful Linkswww.Manchestervelodrome.comwww.worldtrackcycling.comwww.britishcycling.org.uk