Velodrome bid launched

The region formally launched its bid to be the home of the North Island’s only indoor cycling velodrome today. The Unison Velodrome will be sited at the regional Sports Park.

In June the Prime Minister, John Key announced funding for high performance sport facilities, including a velodrome. Several regions have expressed interest and SPARC is managing the process to determine which region is best suited to provide the facility. Only one region will receive government funding.

“Today we are officially lodging our expression of interest,” says Sports Park Trust Chair Lawrence Yule. “The decision making process is lengthy and won’t be concluded until April 2011.” he says.

Mr Yule said the Sports Park Trust would spend much of the time between now and April ensuring the decision makers had a good understanding of the strength of Hawke’s Bay’s offer.

“Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s cycling capital. No other region has the package of benefits we can offer. In fact there are few places in the world that will be able to match our cycling facilities if we get a velodrome,” he says.

Hawke’s Bay has the best road training conditions in New Zealand with a compelling combination of flat and hilly terrain and low traffic volumes. 2009 world track champion Ali Shanks describes it as her favourite place to train.

“The roads are fantastic, the rolling hills and the flats – it’s just a great mix and the weather is fantastic,” she says.

Track cyclists typically do three quarters of their training on the road.

The region is home to New Zealand’s second and fourth largest road cycling clubs (Ramblers and CHB cycling) and Hawke’s Bay Mountain Biking is easily the largest in New Zealand.

The region’s bid has received strong endorsement from its local authorities including $2.5million from the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. Regional Council Chair Alan Dick said his Council’s contribution was a good investment.

“The velodrome will attract people from all over the North Island and is a major asset for Hawke’s Bay,” he says.

Hastings District Council, which is the Sports Park’s main funder, is contributing $1.79m to the velodrome.

It is anticipated the velodrome will have a $15m plus price tag. Approximately two thirds of this funding is coming from non-ratepayer sources including central government and funds raised by the Sports Park Trust.

ENDS