Any opportunity to score points against the opposing party.

The refusal of the Council leader Philip Hickson, and deputy Hilary Jones, to finalise the project while they are still in control, makes it likely that it will now be left to the next administration when it is formed to sort out the messy situation this important project is being left in.

Of course there is a huge expectation that it will be Labour in charge after May 23rd, but I must stress that we are not yet in a position to make a legal and constitutional decision until after the administration is formed at the Council AGM. This crucial point has already been made by my fellow councillor Sarah Russell during a recent radio interview.

The Labour Group meeting which took place on Monday was an early, and excellent opportunity, to listen to the views of Labour councillors across Derby, especially the newly elected ones who have been lobbied by anxious residents and interested groups from outside of the city, and want to make representations on their behalf.

I recognise the regeneration, economic and social benefits projects like the Velodrome can have on our city. In fact, under the previous Labour Government, Derby benefitted from over 2 billion pounds worth of construction opening numerous facilities benefitting jobs, wealth, health, education, recreation and the arts for Derby residents, including news schools, a hospital, and Quad just to name but a few.

I am also a keen cyclist as well so have been following the developments of the project with interest, and now with deep anxiety as to how it has been badly mishandled by Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors in power.

Rest assured, given the Labour Group’s strong track record of standing up for Derby on a range of issues in opposition, including most recently successfully saving Children’s Centres and Care Homes, we will do our utmost to make the right decision for Derby when in power during these unprecedented times of cuts imposed by a central government hostile to local government and public services.

Please continue to be patient, hopefully just a little bit longer. Once a Labour administration is formed as is likely on May 23rd, officers will be able to freely and fully brief the new administration with all the facts and figures, and soon after a full and comprehensive report will be compiled for a cabinet meeting to be held where the decision will made constitutionally and with transparency.

Cycling is a growing sport / pastime in the UK at every level and any new facility of this nature will only serve to further this growth and potentially produce future cycling champions.

I urge the labour party to back the new velodrome in Derby as this will help to grow the sport further and provide an important piece of infrastructure for riders within 50-75 miles to train and race.

There are at present only a small number of indoor velodromes in the UK and the Manchester facility, in particular, is difficult to access owing to the use by the GB squad, SQT’s, track leagues, and Eastlands Velo dominating the sessions.

Riding the track is not just about producing Olympic track champions. Almost all of the current British Team SKY “ROAD” riders have a successful track background (Thomas, Wiggins, Cavendish etc..) as this is the model that the GB squad has discovered to be key in delivering the best Road riders. Also, in order for young riders to develop good leg speed and pedalling technique, the track provides an ideal environment to develop this aspect and this applies to all disciplines: BMX, MTB, Road, Cross and so forth.

Indoor tracks are also very important for winter training. In winter, the weather and dark evenings make it difficult for cyclists to train. As soon as there is any ice or snow on the road, any kind of road training or even closed circuit training is out of the question. Indoor velodromes then become very important, enabling riders to train and race with other groups of riders in a safe, warm and guaranteed environment.

Cycling is not yet our national sport and is unlikely to ever over take rugby or football but when you consider the facilities that rugby and football can access in every village, town and city and compare this to what cyclists can access it then becomes clear why it has taken UK cyclists so long to get this far on the national stage. There are 25000 football pitches in England alone. Here is the list of 4 indoor velodromes across the UK:
• The National Cycling Centre in Manchester (indoor)
• London Velopark, Stratford in London (indoor)
• Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow, (indoor) (under construction)
• Newport Velodrome in Newport, South Wales (indoor)
Please, please, please go ahead and approve the construction of the velodrome in Derby!

I am very surprised to hear that the Velodrome project is under threat and it seems that in my case, I have heard only just in time in order to register my plea to the incoming Labour group to maintain this project.

I urge you all not to make a decision to abandon this project on the narrowest of economic arguments. I coach in the North East and we do not have any type of Velodrome facility. Riders from our region regularly travel to Manchester at considerable expense in time and cost and this in turn limits the development of this aspect of the sport.

The irony of being unable to develop what is the most successful part of cycling in terms of the Olympic and World stage for the future makes my argument that in order to continue to enjoy success, with all the benefits this brings, we need to invest for the long term and I would urge you to consider that this is ultimately not a project that should be a political casualty. Derby’s Velodrome would bring a much-needed new facility to help grow the sport and put Derby on the map in this high-profile and thrilling cycling discipline.

The economic arguments about inward investment have all been made I see. However, this project is also about how the Council can lead in a time of great uncertainty and show neighbours and the country that you can invest in services and not squander all the effort that has obviously gone into this project. Show commitment and leadership now and the sporting community will support you in turn.

Best wishes,

Tony Hodgson
British Cycling Level 3 Road & Time Trial Coach & Coach Education Tutor
Coaching Coordinator – Hetton Hawks CC