BATHURST cyclists are setting new standards in co-operation.
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With construction of a $5 million bike park on the Vale Road continuing, local cyclists have formed the Bathurst Bike Park Steering Committee, bringing together representatives from all the local clubs.
Acting chairman Mark Windsor addressed council to provide an update on the group and progress at the bike park.
He said the steering committee included representatives from local road, track, BMX and mountain biking clubs – a situation generally unheard of in the cycling world.
Mr Windsor said there would be something for everyone at the new bike club and local cyclists were excited to see how the facility was developing.
“The velodrome is the first thing we talk about and it’s virtually finished, with the new track the thing we have been waiting 130 years for in Bathurst,” Mr Windsor said.
“The fencing is just being completed and they are painting lines on the velodrome.”
Mr Windsor said an education centre being built in the middle of the track was nearing completion and the BMX track was in its initial stages.
“Consultants have come in to provide a design and it’s quite impressive,” Mr Windsor said.
“The design includes a professional option, as well as the standard racing option, to allow the club to develop young riders and provide for other opportunities down the track.”
He said work on the mountain bike course has begun and Bathurst’s best-known road racer had given his thoughts on designs for the criterium and kermesse circuits.
“Another exciting thing we have is one of the world’s most famous sprint cyclists has helped with the design of the track,” Mr Windsor said.
“To have Mark Renshaw’s seal of approval for the track may be something we can use in promoting the bike park.”
Mr Windsor said the steering committee had also provided council with a wish-list of inclusions for an amenities block at the bike park and was now waiting to see initial designs. It is hoped the new bike park will cement Bathurst’s position as the cycling capital of regional NSW.