PORT Macquarie could be the home to a new velodrome with a proposal for a new arena being submitted last week.
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There has been widespread national and international support for a velodrome in the area.
Port Macquarie Cycle Club president Greg Linsdell recently renewed the call for an international competition level velodrome.
It would create a pathway for the development of young riders from the Mid-North Coast to national and international level competition, including the Olympics.
The need for a velodrome was first recognised and supported in the late 1990’s where construction commenced, but the land wasn’t suitable and the project failed.
“That experience took the wind out of the sails of those involved,” Linsdell said.
“But the need for a velodrome didn’t go away and if anything it is even greater now.
“We have several riders who make the drive to Sydney to train, but not every one can do that and they shouldn’t have to do it in order to be competitive against their city cousins.
“The design is to utilise the existing clubhouse where you would be able to walk straight out onto the track.”
Cycling NSW chief executive officer Phil Ayres has added his weight to the call for a local velodrome saying that a velodrome will help grow organised cycling in the region, particularly amongst juniors.
A new velodrome would enable the club to host track cycling events which would attract riders from across the region.
It would also attract national and international teams for training, with the Commonwealth Games to hit the Gold Coast in 2018.
Those teams could travel to the area which would help promote Port Macquarie and the Hastings further.
Local legend Graham Seers entered the debate.
“A velodrome on the Mid-North Coast could allow international teams to reside and train as part of their preparations,” he said.
The proposed velodrome will form a key part of the Mid North Coast International Cycling Complex.
PMCC is pursuing a NSW Government Sports Grant to enable construction in 2017.