The governing body of cycling in Australia has expressed its disapproval of the New South Wales government for what it describes as a “failure” to secure the future of the state’s sole indoor velodrome. This situation, it argues, could jeopardise the training of athletes preparing for both the Los Angeles and Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In a strongly worded statement released on Thursday, AusCycling announced that the New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) will discontinue its track cycling program due to uncertainties surrounding the future of the Dunc Gray Velodrome, which played a role in the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
According to AusCycling, the decision by NSWIS is attributed to the NSW government’s lack of commitment to revitalising the venue located in Bass Hill.
Auscylcing also indicated that the NSW government has opted to “abandon responsibility for the velodrome,” which includes transferring all maintenance duties to the Canterbury-Bankstown Council starting March 31, 2025.
The Canterbury-Bankstown Council serves as the sole owner of the velodrome.
The Dunc Gray Velodrome was the backdrop for the madison gold medal victory by Australia’s Scott McGrory and Brett Aitken during the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
Scott McGrory (left) and Brett Aitken celebrate winning madison gold at Dunc Gray Velodrome during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Getty
“The New South Wales government’s inability to secure the future of the state’s only indoor velodrome has left both elite and emerging athletes in a state of uncertainty,” stated AusCycling.
“… AusCycling has been in ongoing discussions with the council, which will face significant financial and management choices regarding the velodrome’s future.”
“Regrettably, this uncertainty means the NSWIS track program will close down, and the state’s top able-bodied and para track athletes could be deprived of a training venue or elite programme less than four years away from the Los Angeles Games and eight years from a home Olympics.”
AusCycling’s chief executive, Marne Fechner, issued a stark warning.
“If this facility continues to be neglected and deprioritised, New South Wales risks becoming the only state in Australia without an indoor velodrome, which would be a disastrous outcome for the country’s most populous state,” Fechner remarked.
Fechner further stated that AusCycling is eager to collaborate with the NSW government, the Canterbury-Bankstown Council, and other stakeholders “to establish a sustainable future for the velodrome and elite training programmes.”
The Dunc Gray Velodrome was named in honour of Edgar “Dunc” Gray, who became Australia’s first Olympic cycling gold medallist in Los Angeles in 1932.
Opened in November 1999, the velodrome was established less than a year before the Sydney Olympics and Paralympics.
Its construction cost around $42 million, funded by the NSW government.
The NSW Office of Sport relayed the following statement to Wide World of Sports.
“Dunc Gray Velodrome is owned by the City of Canterbury-Bankstown,” stated the Office of Sport.
“The Office of Sport operates and manages the venue under a management agreement with the council that concludes on 31 March 2025.”
“The Office of Sport is presently engaging with the City of Canterbury-Bankstown regarding future management arrangements.”
WWOS has sought comments from the Canterbury-Bankstown Council.
WWOS has also requested a statement from NSWIS, but the organisation chose not to respond.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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