Dundalk Velodrome & BMX Track

CuchulainnCC

If anybody is interested in seeing plans or getting an update on where we are with the Cuchulainn Cycling Park & Velodrome. Check out our website:

http://www.cuchulainncyclingpark.com/

Beasty

I'm delighted to see some progress on this initiative.

I note the funding issues associated with this and that it is therefore being looked at in 3 phases. I am curious though about the velodrome which will initially be outdoor with a proposal to add a roof at a later date. Will it be a wooden or tarmac track (I am guessing tarmac although outdoor wooden tracks are not unknown, they are pretty unusable with the slightest of damp)?

Realistically when do you think the 3 phases will be delivered given in particular the funding issues?

CuchulainnCC

The track will be concrete (similar to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luis_Puig_Palace that also started life as an outdoor project)

In relation to completion dates this will very much depend on funding. Our committee was tied up with the National Championships in the earlier part of the year and then it was holiday season but we hope to make progress over the coming months and hope to have
Phase 1 complete next Summer with Phase 2 funding dependent.

kumate_champ07

whats the max speed the track is designed for? banking seems shallow for a 250m track

hsilgnede

Any progress on this? Has the sports council but any money in or is money available from the National Lottery?

LCD

Latest development, Dundalk Town Council have voted tonight (Tuesday, December 10th) to give Cuchulainn CC a 150 Year Lease on site for a Cycling Park to include 250m Velodrome and BMX Track.

More details will be posted on www.dundalkcycling.com over the coming days

hsilgnede

Good stuff.

happytramp

So this looks like it might actually be happening now.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/other-sports/plan-to-develop-ireland-s-first-indoor-velodrome-to-be-unveiled-this-week-1.1678429#.UvDvYHxSczE.twitter

Harrybelafonte

happytramp wrote: »

So this looks like it might actually be happening now.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/other-sports/plan-to-develop-ireland-s-first-indoor-velodrome-to-be-unveiled-this-week-1.1678429#.UvDvYHxSczE.twitter

The info in this re September does not match that on sticky bottle:

As regards the velodrome itself, he said then it would take a little longer to achieve.

“With the benefactors, I think we are still set for five years. If I was really pushed, I would say that we will have it over the line in five years. By that I mean a roofed track… an outdoors track would be sooner.”

http://www.stickybottle.com/latest-news/boost-for-irish-cycling-as-major-announcement-on-new-indoor-velodrome-expected-in-days/

Although I think this is great news overall, building it that far away from the capital ain't a great idea imho.

LCD

Hopefully we will be in a position to make further announcements tomorrow.

12 sprocket

Harrybelafonte wrote: »

The info in this re September does not match that on sticky bottle:

As regards the velodrome itself, he said then it would take a little longer to achieve.

“With the benefactors, I think we are still set for five years. If I was really pushed, I would say that we will have it over the line in five years. By that I mean a roofed track… an outdoors track would be sooner.”

http://www.stickybottle.com/latest-news/boost-for-irish-cycling-as-major-announcement-on-new-indoor-velodrome-expected-in-days/

Although I think this is great news overall, building it that far away from the capital ain't a great idea imho.

You may be correct Harry, so get the plans together immediately and do what Dundalk are after doing and work towards building one in Dublin!!

Harrybelafonte

12 sprocket wrote: »

You may be correct Harry, so get the plans together immediately and do what Dundalk are after doing and work towards building one in Dublin!!

There have been substantial efforts made to build one in Dublin.

Beasty

Harrybelafonte wrote: »

Although I think this is great news overall, building it that far away from the capital ain't a great idea imho.

If it's a proper indoor one people will travel. From North Dublin it may well be quicker to get to than Sundrive, and is also accessible from the North

The fact they seem to have been able to change their original plans to make it a proper indoor track is great news.

Yes it would be great if we could get the Abbotstown proposal off the ground, particularly as I have a bit of a reservation about building something within an existing building, but to get one up and running is going to be a great achievement given what we've had to make do with to date

Eamonnator

Although I think this is great news overall, building it that far away from the capital ain't a great idea imho.[/QUOTE]

Why would Cuchulainn CC want to build it anyplace, other than Dundalk.

Harrybelafonte

Eamonnator wrote: »

Although I think this is great news overall, building it that far away from the capital ain't a great idea imho.

Why would Cuchulainn CC want to build it anyplace, other than Dundalk.[/quote]

Funny.

The responses to my comment seem to miss the fact that I said this was good news. There is no disrespect towards Cuchulainn intended and I'm very much hoping that my reply isn't construed to be such.

However, I'm one of the lucky ones who will be able to drive to Dundalk quite easily. What's been overlooked is the distance that would be required by many from clubs further south and west to travel. Not to mention those who don't have access to that kind of transport.

Look... This is great... awesome news, but at the same time Cycling Ireland still need to sort out a velodrome and the Dundalk project should only be a stopgap.

12 sprocket

Harrybelafonte wrote: »

Why would Cuchulainn CC want to build it anyplace, other than Dundalk.

Funny.

The responses to my comment seem to miss the fact that I said this was good news. There is no disrespect towards Cuchulainn intended and I'm very much hoping that my reply isn't construed to be such.

However, I'm one of the lucky ones who will be able to drive to Dundalk quite easily. What's been overlooked is the distance that would be required by many from clubs further south and west to travel. Not to mention those who don't have access to that kind of transport.

Look... This is great... awesome news, but at the same time Cycling Ireland still need to sort out a velodrome and the Dundalk project should only be a stopgap.[/quote]
Its looking a lot different than a stopgap according to sticky bottle this morning.... this could be similar tomthe athlone indoor running track which has already improved running standards for the top athletes..... well done Cuchulainn and to quote a great runner eamonn coughlan when he went under 4 minutes for the mile as a 40 year old first ever to do so. " everyone kept telling me it couldnt be done... but thankfully INSANITY PREVAILED"

Beasty

It's proposed to be part of the DKIT Sports facility:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1XBDK0U790

The soccerdome section I believe

I initially mentioned I had reservations about using an existing facility, but this could almost be purpose built. It looks a fantastic proposal, although Government funding is still to be secured (and they are suggesting CI also needs to put some money towards the estimated €1.2m cost).

It's going to be one hell of an achievement to get this up and running, and well done Cuchulainn for everything they have done already

Eamonnator

Harrybelafonte wrote: »

Why would Cuchulainn CC want to build it anyplace, other than Dundalk.

Funny.

The responses to my comment seem to miss the fact that I said this was good news. There is no disrespect towards Cuchulainn intended and I'm very much hoping that my reply isn't construed to be such.

However, I'm one of the lucky ones who will be able to drive to Dundalk quite easily. What's been overlooked is the distance that would be required by many from clubs further south and west to travel. Not to mention those who don't have access to that kind of transport.

Look... This is great... awesome news, but at the same time Cycling Ireland still need to sort out a velodrome and the Dundalk project should only be a stopgap.[/QUOTE]


I think your use of the word "stopgap" is unfortunate.

Harrybelafonte

Beasty wrote: »

It's proposed to be part of the DKIT Sports facility:



I initially mentioned I had reservations about using an existing facility, but this could almost be purpose built. It looks a fantastic proposal, although Government funding is still to be secured (and they are suggesting CI also needs to put some money towards the estimated €1.2m cost).

Using the DKIT campus and its accommodation to create a larger project with a greater significance for cycling in Ireland is surely going to add to the reasons that the Government needs to support it?

Eamonnator wrote: »

I think your use of the word "stopgap" is unfortunate.

morana

if they get the grant and can raise the additional cash it will be fantastic. I wonder what impact this project going ahead will have on any potential development in Abbotstown?

But I was always of the opinion even with the jam factory track just get it done get cyclists riding it and then improve upon it if required.

Harrybelafonte

morana wrote: »

if they get the grant and can raise the additional cash it will be fantastic. I wonder what impact this project going ahead will have on any potential development in Abbotstown?

But I was always of the opinion even with the jam factory track just get it done get cyclists riding it and then improve upon it if required.

My fear is that the impetus for any Dublin-based velodrome will drop to the back burner.

I've had a few discussions with a number of people involved in track cycling here and they always seemed to temper their enthusiasm to get it done and develop with a belief that the approach was viewed by many as financially unviable, i.e. more costly in the long run.

dave_o_brien

Harrybelafonte wrote: »

My fear is that the impetus for any Dublin-based velodrome will drop to the back burner.

I've had a few discussions with a number of people involved in track cycling here and they always seemed to temper their enthusiasm to get it done and develop with a belief that the approach was viewed by many as financially unviable, i.e. more costly in the long run.

FWIW, I know the building into which the velodrome is going, very well. We looked at it as part of our job. It's perfect for what's being proposed.

This is great news, and an example of what can be achieved with a small bit of joined up thinking on the part of Cuchulainn and DKIT. This may take the momentum out of the need to develop a Dublin based velodrome, but we'd still end up with an indoor velodrome. Is it ideally located? No. But if it's really there at all, I'll hop on a Matthews bus and nip in to Jackie's on the square for lunch while I'm visiting.

The end goal would be to see an indoor velodrome in Dublin, and 2-3 regional indoor velodromes nationwide. It remains to be seen what the appetite for this would be, but having one of the regional velodrome's open this year, and close to Dublin, makes this an attractive proposal.

Casati

Does Cycling Ireland still have all that plywood they bought a few years ago? If the building available in Dundalk could this timber be used to build the track, thus reducing the estimated build???

Beasty

Casati wrote: »

Does Cycling Ireland still have all that plywood they bought a few years ago? If the building available in Dundalk could this timber be used to build the track, thus reducing the estimated build???

It was sent back - don't think that was the best quality wood (still perfectly adequate though) and hopefully this proposal will be using better materials. The original idea was for a 200m track which could be build for not much more than €50k - I think these plans are a bit more ambitious (and will certainly require more wood)

Also the Abbotstown proposal involves what is termed a "temporary" structure - still designed to last for 20 years or so. The Dundalk proposal looks more "permanent" than that

kumate_champ07

why are Cycling Ireland relying on the government for funding anyway, how much revenue do they get thru membership fees? where are all those entrepreneurs with interest in cycling?

did Cycling Ireland make any enquiries about Jessbrook Equestrian centre when it came on the market at a rockbottom price? http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/jessbrook-inside-what-was-once-john-gilligans-5m-equestrian-centre-29575800.html

I posted on facebook/stickybottle already, a national indoor velodrome should be a neutral facility, and not part of a clubs own personal development. I hope it does well in Dundalk but thats their own velodrome, we need a 'centre of excellence' building, with velodrome, weight rooms, wattbikes, dormitory

it was/is stupid to think you can share a velodrome with badminton.

I knew the first time I heard about Abbotstown that it would probably never happen, and it wasnt even discussed with the Track commission at the time. disgraceful

kumate_champ07

50 acres, sold for 550,000

http://www.herald.ie/news/gilligans-prize-jessbrook-estate-is-sold-for-550k-29856124.html

Beasty

kumate_champ07 wrote: »

why are Cycling Ireland relying on the government for funding anyway, how much revenue do they get thru membership fees?

Not enough which means the HP programme ends up going over Budget

kumate_champ07 wrote: »

where are all those entrepreneurs with interest in cycling?

Sorry but I don't have €1.2m to throw at Dundalk, or €3m at Abbotstown, and I don't see many individuals being able to invest much into Cycling in this country. I know how much some of our young pros struggle to get by on meagre resources, and the costs of putting on some of the major events that really cannot attract adequate sponsorship (and sometimes rely on a dig out from some of those "entrepreneurs" you refer to)

kumate_champ07 wrote: »

it was/is stupid to think you can share a velodrome with badminton

Why? I regularly see basketball taking place on the inside of the track in Manchester (and the major team in Manchester certainly used to use it as their home arena) - last time I was there I was almost drunk on the fumes from the beer festival taking place there. Badminton revenue will help cover the running costs of the facility (IIRC they were estimated at €300k pa)

kumate_champ07 wrote: »

I knew the first time I heard about Abbotstown that it would probably never happen, and it wasnt even discussed with the Track commission at the time. disgraceful

May still happen, but it looks like it's been kicked at least 2 years down the road

kumate_champ07

Beasty wrote: »

Not enough which means the HP programme ends up going over Budget
Sorry but I don't have €1.2m to throw at Dundalk, or €3m at Abbotstown, and I don't see many individuals being able to invest much into Cycling in this country. I know how much some of our young pros struggle to get by on meagre resources, and the costs of putting on some of the major events that really cannot attract adequate sponsorship (and sometimes rely on a dig out from some of those "entrepreneurs" you refer to)
Why? I regularly see basketball taking place on the inside of the track in Manchester (and the major team in Manchester certainly used to use it as their home arena) - last time I was there I was almost drunk on the fumes from the beer festival taking place there. Badminton revenue will help cover the running costs of the facility (IIRC they were estimated at €300k pa)


May still happen, but it looks like it's been kicked at least 2 years down the road

its one of those things that will get kicked down the road constantly.


but anyway who would come first, Badmington Ireland or Cycling Ireland? Manchester rents out its facilites whereas Abottstown would be shared. seems likely that there would be conflicts, maybe it could work

Beasty

kumate_champ07 wrote: »

50 acres, sold for 550,000

http://www.herald.ie/news/gilligans-prize-jessbrook-estate-is-sold-for-550k-29856124.html

For those of us living Northside Dundalk is much more readily accessible than Jessbrook

Beasty

kumate_champ07 wrote: »

its one of those things that will get kicked down the road constantly.


but anyway who would come first, Badmington Ireland or Cycling Ireland? Manchester rents out its facilites whereas Abottstown would be shared. seems likely that there would be conflicts, maybe it could work

No need for conflicts at all - you can run both at the same time - Badminton takes place in the center while cycling on the track. It's only when you have spectator events (usually national championships) that there's likely to be conflict. Manchester regularly runs national championships for other events - off the top of my head I know they run the indoor rowing championships there. The more a facility like this gets used the more it justifies full time staff (and covers the costs of proper reception facilities and onsite security for example)

kumate_champ07

Beasty wrote: »

For those of us living Northside Dundalk is much more readily accessible than Jessbrook

indeed but Dundalk will be a club velodrome and not independent, I just hope its not used as an excuse to not go ahead with other plans.

kumate_champ07

Beasty wrote: »

No need for conflicts at all - you can run both at the same time - Badminton takes place in the center while cycling on the track. It's only when you have spectator events (usually national championships) that there's likely to be conflict. Manchester regularly runs national championships for other events - off the top of my head I know they run the indoor rowing championships there. The more a facility like this gets used the more it justifies full time staff (and covers the costs of proper reception facilities and onsite security for example)

I had no idea that existed as a sport! why not have wattbike racing then?!

Beasty

One point I would add is, despite Government cutbacks, it appears to me that tertiary educational establishments seem to have better access to funding for sporting facilities than national governing bodies, and the invovement of DKIT in this initiative may help secure additional funding to get this through

Location-wise it's not perfect, but as an "all-Ireland" facility it does have a decent catchment area with the likelihood of people travelling from Belfast and Dublin in less than an hour (and lets face it certain regulars at Sundrive have a longer "commute" to the track than that). It should also be recognised that a major part of the original CI "justification" for a new track was to cut down on costs of sending elite athletes overseas. I'm sure the likes of Martyn Irvine, Caroline Ryan and Eoin Mullen will be grateful for any indoor facility and probably the sooner the better for each of them

Beasty

kumate_champ07 wrote: »

I had no idea that existed as a sport! why not have wattbike racing then?!

They have a room full of them in Manchester. I suspect not too many across the whole of Ireland - if we had the money, why not? I actually took part in a Wattbike "challenge" at the opening World Cup event in the London velodrome - think I had to beat Geraint Thomas' flying 200 time - alas I failed!

EDIT - they have 28 Wattbikes available in Manchester, and

The National Cycling Centre has a 40 x 38 metre fully sprung wooden floor situated in the centre of The Velodrome track. The floor has courts marked out for 10 x Badminton, 2 x Basketball, 2 x Futsal, and 2 x Korfball. The courts are availble for private or club bookings

kumate_champ07

Beasty wrote: »

One point I would add is, despite Government cutbacks, it appears to me that tertiary educational establishments seem to have better access to funding for sporting facilities than national governing bodies, and the invovement of DKIT in this initiative may help secure additional funding to get this through

Location-wise it's not perfect, but as an "all-Ireland" facility it does have a decent catchment area with the likelihood of people travelling from Belfast and Dublin in less than an hour (and lets face it certain regulars at Sundrive have a longer "commute" to the track than that). It should also be recognised that a major part of the original CI "justification" for a new track was to cut down on costs of sending elite athletes overseas. I'm sure the likes of Martyn Irvine, Caroline Ryan and Eoin Mullen will be grateful for any indoor facility and probably the sooner the better for each of them

I forgot about that. its a good idea.


theres a slight problem tho, do CI pay for the track coaches to fly over for the training sessions?

Beasty

kumate_champ07 wrote: »

indeed but Dundalk will be a club velodrome and not independent, I just hope its not used as an excuse to not go ahead with other plans.

I'm not too sure it would be a "club" facility (any more than Sundrive is a "Sundrive Cycling Club" facility. If it secures Government funding they could specify conditions in terms of availability to the Governing body, CI, and the ownership of the building by DKIT is also relevant here.

Indeed I've already seen a photoshop from the club with "National Cycling Centre" plastered all over it. Having said that, it's a double edged sword. If you make Dundalk a CI facility it perhaps diminishes the argument for a Dublin track...

Beasty

kumate_champ07 wrote: »

theres a slight problem tho, do CI pay for the track coaches to fly over for the training sessions?

The biggest issue out there in my opinion is running costs (whether Dublin or Dundalk). For every session you need fully qualified coaches, and it essentialy becomes a full time job for perhaps 3 or 4 coaches (plus a couple of maintenance guys, the costs of the hire bikes etc). Maybe there are people out there prepared to take the roles on but it's not going to be cheap to maintain a full-time facility while keeping the sessions affordable.

kumate_champ07

Beasty wrote: »

I'm not too sure it would be a "club" facility (any more than Sundrive is a "Sundrive Cycling Club" facility. If it secures Government funding they could specify conditions in terms of availability to the Governing body, CI, and the ownership of the building by DKIT is also relevant here.

Indeed I've already seen a photoshop from the club with "National Cycling Centre" plastered all over it. Having said that, it's a double edged sword. If you make Dundalk a CI facility it perhaps diminishes the argument for a Dublin track...

the velodrome existed decades before the club tho.

and sundrive club training sessions have to be booked just like any other club, the calender is checked and if the day is free the session is booked. in fairness its a lot different

Beasty

kumate_champ07 wrote: »

in fairness its a lot different

Why? You don't know at thsi stage how it will be structured. You are assuming it will be a club facility, but as I've already alluded to whoever funds this will have the bigger say (and DKIT have sunk far more into this than Cuchulainn at present, with the Government needing to stump up even more)

Cuchulainn have come up with the plans, and clearly have to be given credit for all the efforts they have put into this, but that does not automatically make it a "club" facility

Ging Ging

The students of DkIT had to pass a vote in support of the college buying the building. That mandated an increase in their annual registration (student contribution) fee., €125extra per student I believe.
It passed on the basis of adding a fully functional sporting complex to the campus with student access to soccer courts, gym, pool, parking (including free shuttle bus) and an undefined use for the former ice rink. Usage for graduation ceremonies, exhibitions and other indoor sporting and training facilities were mentioned.
The news of the velodrome broke last week and the general feeling is surprise. Given that the velodrome would encompass such a huge amount of the propoed facility and was not in the original proposal there is quite a bit of opposition already.
From students point of view they were promised a great sporting facility, enhancing DkIT's national reputation and providing room for expansion for related courses. Now it seems like its changed. What percentage of students could possibly use the velodrome given that CI and the Cuchulainns Club would obviously want to be there too.
Its not as easy to share out time slots for a velodrome as it is for say an indoor athletics track or courts for tennis, handball, squash etc.
Personally I feel the velodrome is a great idea but should not go ahead in DkIT Sport at the expense of a facility with the potential to really modilise a greater proportion of the student population through various diverse sports.

12 sprocket

Ging Ging wrote: »

The students of DkIT had to pass a vote in support of the college buying the building. That mandated an increase in their annual registration (student contribution) fee., €125extra per student I believe.
It passed on the basis of adding a fully functional sporting complex to the campus with student access to soccer courts, gym, pool, parking (including free shuttle bus) and an undefined use for the former ice rink. Usage for graduation ceremonies, exhibitions and other indoor sporting and training facilities were mentioned.
The news of the velodrome broke last week and the general feeling is surprise. Given that the velodrome would encompass such a huge amounproposal facility and was not in the original proposal there is quite a bit of opposition already.
From students point of view they were promised a great sporting facility, enhancing DkIT's national reputation and providing room for expansion for related courses. Now it seems like its changed. What percentage of students could possibly use the velodrome given that CI and the Cuchulainns Club would obviously want to be there too.
Its not as easy to share out time slots for a velodrome as it is for say an indoor athletics track or courts for tennis, handball, squash etc.
Personally I feel the velodrome is a great idea but should not go ahead in DkIT Sport at the expense of a facility with the potential to really modilise a greater proportion of the student population through various diverse sports.

I love to see this, debate and maybe even a little bit of constructive conflict... it usually means something is HAPPENING

Once again well done Cuchulainn CC and best wishes for completion of the Dream and maybe further down the road there will be another Velodrome in Dublin as well.. the History is that when a Velodrome is built track racing standards rocket..

I am going to suggest now that Cuchulainn set up an online subscriptions facility where people can make a contribution to funding. I think they would get good support.

Beasty

Ging Ging wrote: »

The news of the velodrome broke last week and the general feeling is surprise. Given that the velodrome would encompass such a huge amounproposal facility and was not in the original proposal there is quite a bit of opposition already.

The track will take up 250m x 15m or so (including the inside of the track). Like Manchester it will have a lot of space in the middle which will accomodate a 5 a-side pitch, a basketball/netball arena and badminton courts (not at the same time of course) - all those activities can be undertaken while cycling take place on the track.

Also I am sure there will be plenty of interest from students once they get the chance to use such a facility. If it works it can be used from 7am until 11pm 7 days a week if necessary - more than enough to accomodate elite training, clubs, students and individuals who want to give it a go. If this facility works (and I'm sure it will) I think there will be even more desire to have a similar one in Dublin, but funding will of course e the major issue (as always)

(NB I am not being paid by Cuchulainn for any of my views expressed here:p)

resnatop

As a student at DKIT, I am annoyed. It isn't what we agreed to via the SU. Why should we pay an €125 for something that won't be used by us? We don't even have a cycling society. And we will find out more after the SU meeting on Monday. Possibility of voting to block it.

It's great for the local area, but will go the way of the icedome. A bit of a fad for a while, and then little usage. The college bought the JJB complex for the students and college, mainly. This is because they want to become a university, and not just an IT.

morana

If the cuchulainn project doesnt proceed on the basis of some of the students posts here, lets go back to the jam factory. Get it done at a low cost and use it. Think about a multi million euro project when this is up and running.

The idea of being in parternership with a college is to reduce the cost re manning the facility and seemingly easier access to funds.

Beasty

The jam factory is toast ....:pac:

morana

Beasty wrote: »

The jam factory is toast ....:pac:

I dont mean the same location I mean something along those lines

kumate_champ07

we could reopen the jam factory, run it as a velodrome but with some conveyer belts in the center producing jam to cover the costs

kumate_champ07

morana wrote: »

If the cuchulainn project doesnt proceed on the basis of some of the students posts here, lets go back to the jam factory. Get it done at a low cost and use it. Think about a multi million euro project when this is up and running.

The idea of being in parternership with a college is to reduce the cost re manning the facility and seemingly easier access to funds.

maybe TIT

kumate_champ07

Ging Ging wrote: »

The students of DkIT had to pass a vote in support of the college buying the building. That mandated an increase in their annual registration (student contribution) fee., €125extra per student I believe.
It passed on the basis of adding a fully functional sporting complex to the campus with student access to soccer courts, gym, pool, parking (including free shuttle bus) and an undefined use for the former ice rink. Usage for graduation ceremonies, exhibitions and other indoor sporting and training facilities were mentioned.
The news of the velodrome broke last week and the general feeling is surprise. Given that the velodrome would encompass such a huge amounproposal facility and was not in the original proposal there is quite a bit of opposition already.
From students point of view they were promised a great sporting facility, enhancing DkIT's national reputation and providing room for expansion for related courses. Now it seems like its changed. What percentage of students could possibly use the velodrome given that CI and the Cuchulainns Club would obviously want to be there too.
Its not as easy to share out time slots for a velodrome as it is for say an indoor athletics track or courts for tennis, handball, squash etc.
Personally I feel the velodrome is a great idea but should not go ahead in DkIT Sport at the expense of a facility with the potential to really modilise a greater proportion of the student population through various diverse sports.

a velodrome is an amazing facility to have and would be the envy of all other universities. Id look at it as a bonus, but there should be debate and discussion since it wasnt agreed on when you were given the original proposal

it's common practice for cycling clubs to allow non club members to join them during a training session so I wouldnt worry about that. my club allows memembers from rival clubs to join in!

a velodrome is like an athletics track, there is room in the centre for other sports. the only time the centre space is really needed for the cyclists is during championship events when stationary bikes are used for warm ups and every club has their own area for race prep

even if youve never thought of cycling as a sport you'd enjoy yourself, an indoor velodrome would be alot of fun.

Harrybelafonte

Agree completely with kumate_champ07, I'd view it as a benefit for the college.

I've been to a few velodromes now and read about a good few more and all are considered a great facility, not just for cyclists but for general group bookings for people trying experience new things. It's also a safe environment for many people to start racing. There's a good few people on this forum who started racing track before moving on to the road.

If DKIT could establish itself as an internationally renowned cycling centre then it could only work to the benefit of the students and college.

resnatop

DKITSU have voted against the velodrome. http://www.dkitsu.ie/news/dkit-class-reps-vote-against-velodrome-proposal.php