June 15/11 18:58 pm - Victoria Velodrome Reopens

Posted by Editoress on 06/15/11
 

To the great joy of the cycling community in British Columbia the Commonwealth Legacy Velodrome in Victoria has reopened after a two year closure. Two of the concerns expressed at the time of closure were safety issues with the state of disrepair of the artificial turf infield and insurance issues with full public access to the track facility. The infield has been removed, the facility is now fully fenced in and the track programs will be administered by the Greater Victoria Velodrome Association, the custodians of the velodrome.

Riders will need to take the learn to ride and learn to race programs and have Cycling BC insurance to take to the track, and these, along with structured training and racing programs, will begin this week. The first learn to ride night will be Wednesday, June 15, from 4 to 8 pm, and the first of the weekly group race nights will be Friday, June 17, 2011.

Fees for membership and courses , as well as open track hours and race dates , can be found at the GVVA website

The GVVA is looking forward to an expanded number of hours of track use now that we no longer have to share the facility with infield users, and a corresponding increase in track programs for all ages and abilities. The Commonwealth Games Legacy Velodrome can be ridden by all levels of cyclists with a short training course, and has been called the best outdoor velodrome in North America for its smooth surface and ideal location.

A Grand Opening event is tentatively scheduled for July 16th and Friday nights under the lights, a three week racing series with cash prizes is scheduled for the last three Fridays of August. The British Columbia Track Cycling Championships is scheduled for the Labour Day weekend, and we look forward to seeing everyone back on the track soon, and welcome everyone to come and race or train on this jewel of a cycling legacy from the '94 Commonwealth Games.

Courtesy Dr. Wayne Walker, "Dr. Walker Sports Chiropractor Track Cycling Team"