A new track for Scotland

Following many years of campaigning, Scottish Cycling has today announced that their new covered competition track will be built in Glasgow. This will form an important part of the City's bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The current track in Edinburgh forms part of the Meadowbank Sports Complex and was constructed over 20 years ago. Whilst the track surface is in remarkably good condition, the supporting infrastructure is showing signs of aging and the lack of a roof severely restricts racing to dry days from April to September. The chance of cancellation has restricted the growth of Track Racing and Race Promotions. Scotland's world class riders, Chris Hoy, Ross Edgar and Craig MacLean have had to move to Manchester to train and live in order to progress their careers. Glasgow Council has already appointed a design team and plans will be progressed immediately with a view to starting on site within 12 months. The track is due for completion in late 2007.

In a statement issued today by Edinburgh City Council, the council Leader, Donald Anderson committed the City too progress plans to build a new facility in Edinburgh to replace Meadowbank. It is likely to comprise a closed road circuit, BMX track and MTB Trails in addition to an outdoor, all-weather concrete track, similar to that built in Dunedin NZ.

"This is a huge boost to our sport in Scotland," said David Hoy, Competition Director for Scottish Cycling. "It allows the next generation of Trackies to look ahead with confidence. It also gives us a strong base for our development programme which is already showing signs of success with a huge increase in youth membership and participation. There will be nothing better than seeing home riders on their home track winning medals in 2014."