Quebec indoor velodrome project started

As part of the festivities for the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City, the Quebec City National Cycling Center (CNCQ) has brought forward a project that would see the construction of a multi-sport center including an international-caliber indoor cycling track. This multi-sport centre would be able to host basketball, tennis, volleyball and other sports, cultural or business events. The facility would also be able to host high-level international cycling events, including the 2007 Junior World Championships, the 2008 Elite World Championships, and World Cup track events.

The President of the Quebec Cycling Federation transmitted an outline of the project and a funding request to Quebec's sports minister, Mr. Jean-Marc Fournier, on March 21. The funding request would cover the cost of a feasibility study to determine the project's viability.

Canada currently has no indoor velodrome that meets international criteria, hindering its ability to produce future champions. By means of comparison, Australia, with a population of just under 20 million, has six indoor velodromes. Australia's track program - led by Martin Barras, a Quebec city native - has produced impressive results: at the Athens Olympics, Australia dominated track cycling with five gold, two silver and two bronze medals out of 12 events.

The project participants intend to present the project in terms of its benefits for the Quebec City region and its strategic importance in supporting Canadian cycling's efforts to secure results at an international level.