Cycle Savvy
All news relating to bike issues
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Bellahouston Park Velodrome
Under the cobblestones, the beach!: Velodrome being built on excavated running track
A concrete velodrome is being built in the northwest corner of Bellahouston Park, adjacent to Bellahouston Drive. Construction began in March and staff at the local sports centre say it should be completed by the end of May. The tracks' dimensions seem to have been dictated by the excavated running track upon which it is based, at 420 meters long, with 7 degree bankings. Velodromes are usually either 250, 333 or 500 meters long.
Positively however, the council has apparently stated that it will be for any cyclist to use without restrictions, in contrast to more "professional" velodromes like Meadowbank in Edinburgh, which are only for clubs. Plans are afoot for a Monday night racing league and a variety of junior events. In the early 20th century track cycling was a huge spectator sport in Glasgow, with velodromes at the Ibrox and Parkhead football stadiums. Maybe we could see a mini rennaiscence of urban cycle racing?
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