Bathurst Bike Park velodrome opens

The newly constructed velodrome, on Vale Road in the Mount Panorama precinct, has been a long-desired addition to the growing park. 

Also opened yesterday was a $350,000 clubhouse, which includes amenities and change rooms, meeting rooms, a timekeeper’s office, canteen area and storage sheds. 

Both are part of a plan for the site to be an area for all cycling disciplines.

Mayor Gary Rush opened the velodrome alongside Bathurst Bike Park executive director Phil Egan and Bathurst professional cyclist Mark Renshaw.

Cr Rush said it was remarkable to be opening a facility that had been in the pipeline for so long and to do it with the support of the community.

He also noted that having a single facility for all cycling disciplines was an opportunity for Bathurst to capitalise on its economic potential. 

“I don’t think there would be anyone standing here who would not think this would be a great success,” he said.

“There is no facility anywhere in the country like this.”

Mr Egan, who up until recently was the president of the Bathurst Cycle Club, has been involved in the development of the new facilities for a number of years and is pleased to see them finally come to fruition. 

He believes having a velodrome, clubhouse, mountain bike track and soon a BMX track will help to generate interest in the sport at a local level, while also increasing Bathurst’s appeal to host events in the future such as the Subaru BMX National Championships in March next year. 

“World class facilities such as these will continue to attract events and business to Bathurst for many years to come and create opportunities for our local clubs to grow and develop the cycling sports stars of the future,” Mr Egan said. 

“All this would not have been possible without the help of many people over many years.”

The velodrome has already been given its first major workout by Renshaw, who attempted to break his own 500 metre record yesterday. 

His attempt was unsuccessful, but he did have positive things to say about the new track.

“It’s a beautiful track, the surface is smooth, it’s a great facility,” he said following his ride. 

The track will be put through its paces again on Saturday when the velodrome hosts its first two major events, the Country Championships in the morning and the Bathurst 200 Open Track Carnival later in the afternoon.