from Jason Lardy
Track cycling in Minnesota could come to an end in 2019 without the support of the cycling community. The National Sport Center (NSC) Velodrome in Blaine, is one of only 26 cycle tracks in the United States. It will be demolished after the 2019 racing season. That will end one of the most storied eras in Minnesota cycling history. The MN Cycling Center is working to a new indoor cycling complex to replace this important cycling venue. Can you please help by contacting your legislature?
The future track cycling complex in Minnesota
The proposed site plan for a new MN Cycling Center in Northeast Minneapolis. See larger version in link below.
The next generation of Minnesota’s sports leadership has developed a vision for a multi-purpose community bicycle facility. A non-profit organization the MN Cycling Center is working to build this important cycling venue. A place where training and racing can be provided year round. One thing that that all cyclists can help with immediately, is writing their legislators and asking for their support in this upcoming legislative session.
30 years of Minnesota track cycling history
Track cycling in MN could come to an end without you contacting your legislature.
The NSC Velodrome has hosted hundreds of events. Attracting thousands of racers from around the world and teaching them to ride a track bike. It has produced Olympic medalists and dozens of elite national and world champions. Some like multiple Olympic Silver Medalist Kelly Catlin, of Arden Hills, who learned to ride the track here. She notes, “It is an incredibly rare asset to have a velodrome, much less a international-standard track. It makes Minneapolis one of only a handful of cities in North America that can host international caliber events, it would be a despicable waste to lose such a treasure.”
The Future needs the MN Cycling Center
The new center will provide a home for cycling-based STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) in MN
With several Minnesota sports leaders working together the center shows promise. This cycling complex will be a place that can provide off-season training and racing opportunities for cyclists of all ages and ability levels. It can also host concerts and other community events, along with retail in Northeast Minneapolis. But most importantly the cycling facility will provide a home for cycling-based STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education for youth from around the region.
The MN Cycling Center also creates an education center for youth around the region.
The group is currently providing this STEM programming at individual Minneapolis Public School locations.
City, state and cycling community support is needed
The MN Cycling Center plans to build a $30-40 million facility. The group has secured needed support from the City of Minneapolis and Mayor Frey’s office. They have introduced two bills at the Minnesota State Legislature – HF 2700 and SF 2980 – requesting state funding to continue the state’s long history of track cycling.
BMX facilities could be another feature of the new MN Cycling Center.
Cyclists can help by writing their legislators and asking for their support for the needed legislation. Please use the MN Cycling Center automated form here to contact your legislator(s).
Thanks for your help!
If the plan is to only build a 200 meter track for the velodrome, that is not a good idea. The track needs to be at least a 250 meter track. A 200 meter will be too steep for really young or older masters cyclists (especially beginners) to navigate. Also, a 200 meter facility doesn’t leave room in the infield for a shared use that would bring in another user group and broaden the base – roller speed skaters. At the 7-11 velodrome in Colorado Springs, they have a 250 meter bicycle track with a 200 meter banked skating track in the infield. Both venues can be used simultaneously. There are only four banked track skating facilities in the USA, and only the one at Colorado Springs has a cover for year round use. Having a skating track along with the bicycle track will create an opportunity to bring the various national championships – juniors, elite, and masters – to the facility for both speed skating and bicycle racing. It would be difficult to attract masters nationals for bicycling if you build a track that is too steep for the upper age groups (70s, 80s, and even 90s) to manage.