Manchester track for sale

Track fans now have a chance to own a little bit of history. The Manchester Velodrome, which is currently being resurfaced in preparation for the 2008 UCI World Championships, is no longer in need of the boards that rumbled under the tyres of Chris Boardman when he broke the world hour record in September, 1996.

The track's surface was originally laid when the track opened in 1994, and is being replaced with a new layer of Siberian pine, which is scheduled to be ready for racing on August 1st.

"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."

One bit of wood will not be for sale, however. "Chris Boardman has already earmarked the location on the track where he broke the world record," said Walsh. Other parts are being used in creative ways. "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.

For more information, email admin@manchestervelodrome.com