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British Cycling has unveiled four new traffic-free cycle sport facilities across Britain this summer. The organisation hopes that the new resources will help support grassroots cycling and help develop future cycle champions.
Supported by local authorities with funding from Sport England, the new facilities are based in the North West, with two in the West Midlands and another in London.
Tameside in Ashton under Lyne and Stourport in the West Midlands have both seen the recent completion of two closed road circuits.
An innovative BMX track is almost complete in Redditch, West Midlands, while a state of the art pavilion building is nearing completion at the renowned Hillingdon circuit in West London.
British Cycling CEO Ian Drake enthused: “I am delighted that these four projects are now nearing completion. In working closely with local authorities we have provided over £1 million of the Whole Sport Plan money from Sport England, to help fund these new facilities to ensure they are of the highest standard.
“These new facilities represent a major development in our efforts to bring excellent modern cycling facilities to local communities across Britain at a time when cycling is booming and the demand for venues to enjoy the sport is higher than ever before.
“These facilities will offer people of all ages and abilities an opportunity to enjoy cycling in a safe, controlled and traffic free environment from, supporting the growth of our sport at the grassroots and helping us develop future cycling stars.”
Tameside circuit, opening later this summer, is the first purpose built circuit in Manchester, expected to be in high demand with local cycling clubs and organisers. Ten circuit races running until August will be the first events to take place at the facility, for which British Cycling contributed £300,000 of WSP (Whole Sport Funding) funding. Tameside council also backed the project.
Redditch’s new BMX track, which opened last week, has been designed to test the top international riders and is expected to attract major competitions in the near future. British Cycling contributed £230,000 to the track, with Redditch Council matching the funding at a local level.
Hillingdon Circuit’s new clubshouse will open in July. The new clubhouse will store event equipment, with room available for meetings, club usage and race administration, plus coaching facilities and a new refreshment room. £350,000 of WSP funding supported the project.
The newly revealed circuit in Stourport is home to Stourport Sports Club, which is closely linked to local cycling clubs. A regular series of events will take place there, focusing on the development of youngsters from local schools into cycling. British Cycling’s WSP contributed £448,000, with significant match funding provided by Wyre Forest District Council.
