York Velodrome to open in July

In the year (and month) the Tour de France comes to Britain for the first time since 2007, a new Olympic sized outdoor velodrome at the University of York – a £1.1 million facility – will be opening.

Jointly funded by British Cycling and York University, where the velodrome will be located, the velodrome’s building will ‘ensure the legacy of the Tour de France lives on in Yorkshire and Humberside’ and provide facilities for the UK’s growing number of cyclists.

Lumsden and Carroll has built the new velodrome, which has 30-degree banking at its steepest point at each end. Coaches will lead taster and skills sessions at the facility so experienced riders and those new to the sport will be able to enjoy the facilities.

There will also be opportunities for local schools and community groups to get involved, and weekly coaching sessions for under – 16s run by Clifton Cycling club. Track bikes and equipment will be available for riders to hire.

“Following the success of British riders at the Tour de France and Olympics, there are more people than ever riding bikes in this country," British Cycling president, Bob Howden. "However, with increased participation comes the need for new facilities. British Cycling has been delighted to get behind this fantastic project and hopefully we might see the next Joanna Rowsell or Jason Kenny develop at the York Velodrome."

Professor Koen Lamberts, vice-chancellor of the University of York, added: “In the year the Tour de France comes to York, we are very proud to provide a superb addition to the city’s sports facilities that will complement our floodlit 1.2km closed road cycle circuit. Our partnership with British Cycling to develop this additional facility is a clear demonstration of our commitment to inspire activity and to promote the health and well-being of people across the city and beyond."