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British Cycling supports plan for multi-discipline facility in Torbay

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British Cycling today confirmed its support for plans to develop a multi discipline cycling centre in Torbay.

Discussions about building an outdoor velodrome and a closed road circuit took place with Torbay Council earlier this year. British Cycling plans to provide capital funding assistance to bring the project to fruition as part of its 2013-2017 Sport England Whole Sport Plan.

Dave Cockram, British Cycling’s National Facilities Officer, said:

“The South West of England is in desperate need of dedicated traffic-free cycling sport facilities for both sporting and recreational use. At present there are none in Devon or Cornwall and riders are having to travel to Bournemouth or Newport to access a velodrome, or to West London or Birmingham to access a closed road circuit. The South West region has always had a strong cycling tradition, and has produced many riders who have progressed to the highest levels of international racing, and it is vital to provide safe traffic free facilities so that this tradition can continue.”

British Cycling has seen a huge increase in the number of people cycling - over 1.7 million people now ride at least once a week. The sports governing body aims to fuel this growth by linking traffic free cycle sport facilities with the growing network of safe cycling routes which will continue to enhance health and environmental benefits to communities across Britain.

Mayor of Torbay Gordon Oliver, said:

“Torbay is setting its sights on becoming an area of cycling excellence, seeking to attract residents and visitors from far and wide with a range of new and improved facilities.

“Cycling has a wide appeal whatever age or ability, is good for our economy, our environment and the health of our population. We have been working with British Cycling and looking at opportunities to develop a range of cycling infrastructure.

“Following recent successful high profile events we are very excited about the future and extremely keen to work with British Cycling to help our plans become a reality.”

British Cycling will continue to work with Torbay Council to bring the project to fruition as soon as possible after the London Olympic and Paralympic Games.