Cleveland Velodrome Update

OHIO: Cleveland - Construction continues to roll along on the 166m meter Cleveland Velodrome oval which sits on the site of the former St. Michael’s Hospital in Broadway Slavic Village. Fast Track Cycling recently signed a ground lease agreement with the City of Cleveland for the 8.4 acre site for $1 per year. The track will be constructed from galvanized steel and a marine-grade plywood riding surface. A $50,000 grant from The Cleveland Foundation helped Fast Track complete the Phase I capital requirement of $300,000, which includes the cost of track bicycles and other related equipment. Final welds are now being placed on the steel skeleton, and placing of the wooden surface panels will begin on Monday. Grand opening day is set for July 6th. This track is basically the same as the newly completed Chicago Velocampus on Chicago's south side, home of the former US Steel plant. In a year's time, it is hoped to have an air dome placed over the Cleveland track to allow riding year round, and ultimately an indoor, Olympic sized 250 meter track is planned.The Chicago Velocampus is up and running and hosts it's first day of racing TODAY. The summer long, June 17 to September 2nd omnium features $3,200 in prize money. See their website for more information.