The much-anticipated new velodrome was debuted yesterday at the multi-million dollar Bathurst Bike Park.

Mr Renshaw joined in the Bathurst Cycling Club’s ‘Come and Try’ day, where participants were the first to ride the velodrome at the club’s new home off College Road.

The aim of the day was to begin developing young riders into skilled bike handlers.

Mr Renshaw said the day would also help develop any budding young racers who had ambitions of becoming a professional rider.

The new velodrome is part of a five-discipline precinct that, once complete, will include a BMX track, criterium, kermesse and mountain biking.

A new $350,000 clubhouse, which includes a canteen, storage facilities, change rooms and club rooms, has been constructed in the grounds of the velodrome.

Mr Renshaw said when he began his cycling career, aged 10, facilities were very different in Bathurst.

“I started off in town at the flat track in there,” he said.

“Now it’s a little bit easier for the kids today and this [new facility] has made it easier.”

Mr Renshaw said cycling was a lot more popular these days than when he was starting out

“The sport’s changed a lot, especially since Cadel Evans won the Tour de France [in 2011],” he said.

The champion cyclist has also played an integral part in planning the new velodrome, according to Bathurst Regional Councillor Greg Westman.

“Mark Renshaw has certainly had some good input into the facility,” he said. “It’s fantastic to have riders of the calibre of Mark Renshaw and Mark Windsor have an input into design.”

Cr Westman, a keen BMX cyclist himself, said it was fantastic for the Bathurst Cycling Club to have the velodrome “up and running”.

He added that the new facility would also increase the number, and level, of events that can now be held in Bathurst.

“The only thing we could host before was club-level events,” he said. “Having quality facilities like we are getting at the bike park will increase participation and bring people to town.”