NEWPORT TO HOST HSBC UK | NATIONAL TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR FIRST TIME IN 2022
British Cycling can today announce that the 2022 HSBC UK | National Track Championships will be held in the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales, in Newport, from 28-30 January 2022.
The 2022 event will be the first to take place outside of Manchester since 1994, with Britain’s top riders battling it out for the coveted red, white and blue national champions’ jerseys.
Tickets will be prioritised for family and friends of riders first and then for residents of Newport, to give local fans and riders the opportunity to see some of the world’s best racing in their home city. Further details on ticketing and how fans can watch the event from home will be confirmed in due course.
Entries for the event will open in October, with a full rider list to be published in December.
British Cycling CEO, Brian Facer, said:
“I’m delighted that we’re able to return to Newport in January and give people in different areas of Britain the opportunity to experience the thrill of live National Track Championships cycling.
“With the National Cycling Centre in Manchester at the start of an exciting refurbishment project we’re incredibly thankful to Newport Live, Newport City Council and colleagues at Welsh Cycling for their support in re-locating next year’s event to the venue which played a crucial role in the final few weeks before Tokyo earlier this summer.
“With next summer’s Commonwealth Games now very much on the horizon I’m sure we’re going to see an incredibly high standard of competition, and a great opportunity for the stars of tomorrow to make their mark.”
The refurbishment of the National Cycling Centre in Manchester will commence in early-2022 after the plans received approval from city councillors in July 2021. In total, £26 million will be spent to replace the facility’s mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems and improve spectator areas, with work set to be completed early in 2023.
Councillor Jane Mudd, Leader of Newport City Council, said:
“I am thrilled that Newport is hosting this prestigious sporting event and the participants, their support teams and spectators will be warmly welcomed.
“We are proud that Newport has been chosen to stage the event as it moves out of Manchester for the first time in almost three decades, strengthening our national and international status as a city of culture, leisure and sport.”
Chief Executive of Newport Live, Steve Ward, said:
“We are thrilled to be working with our partners at Newport City Council to bring this fantastic event to Newport. As this is the first time the event has been hosted outside of Manchester since 1994, we are pleased to be able to support British Cycling and welcome back athletes following their fantastic success at the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“During the second Coronavirus lockdown in April 2021, we completed the replacement of the lighting at the Geraint Thomas Velodrome, not only on the track but also the infield and remainder of the venue. Riders at the event will be able to benefit from our new low-carbon LED lighting thanks to support from Newport City Council and Sport Wales.
“The event will give us the opportunity to continue to build back following the challenges of the pandemic, and once again put Newport on the national stage.”
Welsh Cycling Chief Executive, Anne Adams-King, said:
“Welsh Cycling are pleased that the HSBC UK | National Track Championships will be held in Newport in 2022, after the disappointment of not being able to hold the Nations Cup, and the championships will give us a chance to host a significant event as we head into a Commonwealth Games year.”
A closed qualifying session for those required to meet a time will be held at the venue on the evening of Thursday 27 January 2021. Further questions on qualifying times for the event can be emailed to events@britishcycling.org.uk .
