As the summer approaches we’ll see more sport on our screens, and I know fans of cycling will be paying close attention to the Tour de France and the World Championships in Scotland.
Even if cycling doesn’t command the same popularity as other sports, there have been plenty of moments in Olympic or Commonwealth Games history that have had us all enthused, whether that be Chris Hoy’s world record in the Men’s Team Sprint at London 2012, or Laura Kenny’s gold in the Women’s 10km Scratch race at the Commonwealth Games last year.
Whilst the Midlands boasts many great sporting facilities, as exemplified by Birmingham’s hosting of the 2022 Games, there is a clear need for a new velodrome in the region, something which I have long campaigned for. West Midlands Mayor Andy Street is also a keen enthusiast for a velodrome, and I was delighted to learn recently that the Authority and Sport England are working together to develop a business case.
It’s important that a new velodrome is accessible for all the community and can host other sports too, ensuring that we can widen participation for all who want to develop their cycling skills, and even emulate the achievements of Chris Hoy or Laura Kenny on the world stage!
For a number of years now I’ve been working with David Viner at Halesowen Cycling Club, a great facility just off Manor Way that also plays host to athletics and tennis facilities. Earlier this year David and I visited the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales in Newport to see the National Track Championships, and it was great to see the excitement generated and the fantastic facilities they have on offer. Bringing a similar venue to the West Midlands would be great for our economy, great for our sporting heritage, and great for keen cyclists both old and young!
This article first appeared in the Halesowen & Dudley News on 15th June 2023.
