Budding cyclists inspired by the sport’s incredible summer of Olympics and Paralympics success will soon be able to take to the track themselves at Knowsley’s new outdoor Velodrome and BMX track, which opens next week.
With the memory of the Tour of Britain cyclists thundering to the finish line at Knowsley Safari Park still fresh from earlier this month, the borough is excited to offer this fantastic new facility, which sees the BMX track located within the centre of the velodrome – only the second of its kind in Europe.
Based at Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park in Huyton, the 400m velodrome has a 7m cycle track and the BMX track is built to national standard and includes a pump track. The new facility opens this Thursday (27 September 2012) and offers bike and safety equipment hire, as well as training and accreditation sessions, and dedicated sessions for the public, schools and clubs, allowing everyone to try cycling whether complete novices or enthusiasts.
An impressive £1.4m has been invested into the velodrome and BMX track, which has been funded by NHS Knowsley, Sports England and British Cycling.
Cllr Eddie Connor, Cabinet Member for Community, Leisure and Culture commented “It’s great to see the opening of this exciting new facility, providing our residents with the very best leisure opportunities.
“This fantastic new velodrome and BMX track makes cycling accessible to everybody – so if you have been inspired by the likes of Bradley Wiggins or Sarah Storey you can try out the sport for yourself – and you don’t need to spend lots of money on the equipment first.
“We’re sure this new facility will inspire future generations of cyclists, and perhaps even future Olympians or Paralympians, which will be a fantastic legacy for Knowsley and the London 2012 Games.”
David Cockram, National Facilities Officer at British Cycling added, "British Cycling is very pleased with the new facility, and as well as the velodrome, a much needed national standard BMX track is available for Knowsley and the wider Merseyside and West Lancashire Region.
“It has been a pleasure to work with Knowsley Council and partners over the last five years to make the project a reality, and we look forward to developing a programme of cycling activity that will benefit the local community.”
Prescot Eagles Road Club and Liverpool Century have both been consulted and been instrumental in the development of the velodrome and BMX track.
Brian Farrington from Prescot Eagles said: “The Prescot Eagle Road Club and all keen cyclists on Merseyside are delighted with this new facility. It is a wonderful addition to cycling and a great amenity for the area that can be put to good use for many years to come”.
To find out more, call into the new facility or go to www.activeknowsley.com
Photos attached – cyclists using Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park’s new velodrome and BMX track
What a great facility, this model should be copied all over the country now. Well done for putting the effort in to make the dream reality.
It seems cover most area's of cycling and would be fun for all ages.
Sport for England and British Cycling are hoping on board and will get a rolling programme together. Surley there will be some Olympic Legacy funding floating about for this type of scheme.
Posted by: Simon Gregg | September 27, 2012 at 07:47 AM