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Workers dismantle the Manchester track |
The original racing surface from Manchester track is now incredibly on general
sale. The track is currently being refurbished with a new surface being laid
before the Velodrome hosts the UCI World Track Championships in March next year.
The old track is obviously surplus to requirements.
The surface was originally laid when the track opened in 1994 and the building
was officially opened by HRH Princess Anne. Since then the Velodrome, an original
part of Manchester SportCity, has hosted the track cycling events for the Commonwealth
Games as well as the World Championships. It is the same surface where, on an
evening in September 1996, Chris Boardman broke the hour record in front of
a packed house. He recorded 56,375 km to beat Tony Rominger’s record by
over a kilometre.
The new surface of Siberian pine should be ready to race on by August 1st or
sooner if the work schedule goes well. It will be perfectly tested before the
world’s greatest cycling athletes arrive in Manchester for the 2008 World
Championships 26th to 30th March.
“The old track simply wore out after 13 years,” said Jarl Walsh,
General Manager of Manchester Velodrome: “This is the busiest track in
the world remember. The bulk of the track is being chipped and turned into chipboard
but we are selling bits of the track to those who have requested it. Chris Boardman
has already earmarked the location on the track where he broke the world record.
Manchester track is one of the fastest in the world and I expect it to maintain
its reputation when the new surface goes down.”
“We understand that the bits bought are being turned into lots of things
like tables and sculptures. One cycle shop wants to use it to make its shop
counter.”
Prices for the track are:
£10 for a 12 inch piece with no markings
£15 for a 12 inch piece with general marking lines on
£25 for a 12 inch piece with pursuit/200m line markings
£40 for a 12 inch piece with the finish line on
Contact
Email: admin@manchestervelodrome.com
Tel: +44(0)161 223 2244
Fax: +44(0)161 230 2309
Lisa Jarvis
