Worthing’s velodrome arrives, creating track cycling opportunities for all
The weekend, during which Worthing hosts a banked velodrome in the grounds of Beach House Grounds, is about to arrive.
On August 1 and 2, amateur riders have the chance to challenge some of the country’s highest-ranking competitive cyclists at the StreetVelodrome which is erected for one weekend only for riders to compete in head to head elimination pursuit races.
Using a 'popup' track with two banked corners and two straights, along with professional-level timing and equipment, anyone is able to try speed-cycling free of charge with the event organisers supplying all the necessary equipment. The ‘have-a-go’ sessions take place on Saturday and anyone wishing to take part should simply turn up on the day. The races for amateur and professional cyclists take place on Sunday.
Councillor Daniel Humphreys, Leader of Worthing Borough Council says:
“We have a new story to tell in Worthing; hosting unique, innovative events such as the UK-wide Asda StreetVelodrome Series really underlines where we’re heading and the passion that we’re using to get us there.
“It’s taken a huge amount of effort for the team to bring StreetVelodrome to Worthing this year, and I’m confident that the first weekend of August is going to be a spectacular cycling celebration, from the arrival of the peloton on Saturday 1st August to the race action that will dominate the weekend.”
Councillor Bryan Turner, Executive Member for Regeneration at Worthing Borough Council adds:
“When the Council decided to bring the Asda StreetVelodrome Series to the town last December, we couldn’t imagine the speed at which the local community would back it.
“According to the organisers, no other race venue has seen such immediate uptake of the track time slots and even our Culture & Events team were taken aback by the speed at which local businesses invested in sponsorship opportunities.
“Events such as this not only contribute to the social lifeblood of the town, but also have a direct relationship with the whole area’s economic growth and development. I am personally passionate about growing Worthing’s economy, and will wholeheartedly support bringing the right events to the town to do just that.”
Carl Thompson, Series Director says:
“It is with great pleasure that we bring Street Velodrome and The Asda StreetVelodrome Series to Worthing.
“We are combining our Series,which offers the thrill of the pro-riders racing in teams against each other, with the opportunity for the community of Worthing to race the track. The response has been overwhelming so the weekend will be great fun!
“Thank you Worthing for being one of our event partners, we are really looking forward to being part of your cycling weekend celebration.”
Pelotons of local cyclists will travel to the event from George V Avenue at 9am each day, led by Twitter’s #TruckingCyclist, Worthing local, Jeremy Strutt.
On Saturday the peloton will have a family focus while Sunday’s peloton will be aimed at anybody with a modified bicycle.
Local businesses, food stalls and entertainers surround the street velodrome during the weekend with opportunities to take part in circus workshops, learn from a safer cycling display by Sussex Transport, witness a showcase of vintage bicycles, take a ride on the funfair along the prom or take advantage of bicycle servicing from Dr Bike. There will also be a variety of children’s inflatables in Denton Gardens.
The high-speed, high-energy nature of the event promises great video opportunities throughout the day. Spectators are encouraged to share their footage with the Council’s Twitter feed @adurandworthing, which will be streamed to their street velodrome site throughout the day, tagging any posts #WVel15.
For latest updates as the event unfolds visit www.streetvelodrome.com and http://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/street-velodrome/.
