Flood of new members bodes well for track cycling

The track cycling season wraps up at the Juan de Fuca Velodrome this weekend with the three day Cycling B.C.B次元官网网址檚 Provincial Track Cycling Championship.

More than 60 cyclists, mainly from Vancouver and Victoria, are racing in a variety of sprints and longer distance pursuits in individual and team events.

Greater Victoria Velodrome Association president Chris Anstey is pleased to see the track put to good use after being closed due to an insurance risk for the two summers previous.

B次元官网网址淭rack racing is not just racing, itB次元官网网址檚 a social community,B次元官网网址� he said, pointing to the range of age (teens to seniors) and ability (three categories) converging on the track.

B次元官网网址淎 lot of riders gave up on track cycling and sold their bike when the velodrome closed,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淲hen we were let back on the track, they had to rush out and get new bikes.B次元官网网址�

The GVVA signed up 130 members during its season, including a record 20 juniors. Its twice-weekly B次元官网网址渓earn to ride trackB次元官网网址� courses were never empty.

Members could get on the track three days per week, Mondays for time training, Wednesdays for group rides and Sunday for open track.

Anstey is confident the track will be open again next year. B次元官网网址淭his certainly isnB次元官网网址檛 our last hurrah,B次元官网网址� he said of the championships. B次元官网网址淢y understanding is weB次元官网网址檒l be able to use the track next year, but IB次元官网网址檓 not exactly sure on what terms.B次元官网网址�

A consultants report commissioned by West Shore Parks and Recreation recommended the GVVAB次元官网网址檚 one-year lease on the velodrome be extended to five years. But in the longer term, about 10 years down the road, the report recommended redeveloping the 333-metre cycling track to make way for an artificial turf field.

Anstey would rather see the existing velodrome upgraded to a better quality cycling track.

B次元官网网址淭he velodrome is one of the safest places to ride,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淵ou donB次元官网网址檛 have to be a serious racer to enjoy it. ItB次元官网网址檚 a great aerobic activity for all ages.B次元官网网址�

The B.C. Provincial Championship runs Sept. 2 to 4 at the Juan de Fuca velodrome, at West Shore Parks and Recreation. For more information on the velodrome society and for racing results, see gvva.bc.ca.

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