The track was due to be replaced in 2014, but due to continued use by elite and amateur cyclists alike, coupled with the need to provide the best surface for British cyclists preparing for the 2008 Beijing Games, the decision has been made to relay the track now.
“Manchester Velodrome is the most heavily used facility of its type in the world and the track renewal programme represents an essential phase in the preparation of the nation’s cyclists ahead of the Olympics next year and looking forward to London 2012,” said ISG managing director Philip Ryder.
Bremen-based Johann Erhard Meyer is to supply the Baltic pine that will be used for the new track and the 600x40x40mm boards are to be kiln-dried and, in order to allow the timber to acclimatise to the UK environment, will be transported to Manchester three weeks before construction work begins.
The new track should be laid and in use by the end of July, with ISG noting that it is to retain and reuse the existing truss supports below the track.
