Subject - Manchester Velodrome

ReplyPosted : (Sunday 27th April 2008 ) By - Jarl Walsh (Unregistered User) In response to Martin McDermott's posting dated 26th March.
First of all, some factual corrections, the Velodrome preceded the Commonwealth Games by some years as it was built in 1995 as part of Manchester's bid to host the 2000 Olympic Games.
Secondly, it is commonly accepted to be one of the busiest velodrome's in the world. The opening hours are from 9am to 10pm seven days a week and the popularity of the track by cyclists is such that we can not cope with demand. I suspect, Martin, that the car park you refer to is the one by the barrier entrance off Stuart Street which is only used for events.
I am concerned that you feel the charges are excessive but the Velodrome is the National Cycling Centre and its charges have to reflect the costs operating such a unique facility. What your list of charges for the cycle track do not show is that they include the supply of a special track bike, helmet and an experienced and qualified coach. For safety reasons, we limit the number of cyclists on the track to sixteen so once you have taken all the costs in to account, the margin isn't that great. I compare the service we provide to the public to that of the Chill Factor (indoor ski slope) by the Trafford Centre. Both are unique sporting activities which require specialist equipment and facilities. The difference is, however, that it is a lot cheaper to use the Velodrome.
I have always made much of the Velodrome as a facility for elite cyclists, as well as the general public. You are right when you state that the Velodrome was intended to be a legacy and I truly feel that the local community has as much right to use the track as the successful members of our GB track cycling squads. This is why we offer sessions at the Velodrome which provide a cheaper route into using the facilities. Children are particularly important and our schools sessions are charged at £41 for a group of sixteen. This equates to £2.56 for a go on the same piece of track that Olympic and World Champions regularly train on. Remember also that all the equipment and coaching support is included in this.
Remember also the very successful Eastlands Velo Cycling Club, which is based here at the Velodrome. Run by volunteers, it holds three track sessions a week for local children and it is heavily oversubscribed. The charges applied by the Club are nominal and there are several members of the GB juvenile team who owe their success to the Club having been introduced to the sport via their weekly sessions.
For local community groups, we apply a discounted rate of £82 for a taster session (£5.13 per person). Again all equipment and coaching is supplied.
The Velodrome is operated by a not for profit Trust. Any modest surpluses achieved are put back into maintaining the integrity of the building and its track programme. Whilst I would love to be able to reduce charges further, it simply is not possible and the fact that the track is so popular suggests that, for the most part, our charging structure is about right.
I sympathise with your medical conditions and applaud you for investigating ways to improve your level of fitness. It may well be, however, that a taster session on the track may not be the most appropriate form of exercise you need to lose weight. Track cycling does require a minimum level of fitness and it may be too demanding for somone such as yourself who is not used to exercise. No doubt, your GP would be able to advise you on this.
You may be interested to learn that a group meets regularly here at the Velodrome with the purpose of improving their fitness by walking round the concourse. Organised by the NHS, the sessions are supervised by trained staff and it prescribes exercise to patients referred by local GPs. Badminton sessions are also provided for those seeking a more active form of exercise. If you would prefer to use the badminton facilities in a private capacity, we do offer cheaper off peak rates than those you indicated (£5.20 instead of ££8.20). Call the Reception on 223 2244 if you want to know more.
Martin - I hope my response goes some towards countering your view that the Velodrome is too expensive for the people of East Manchester. As a Trust, we do have difficulties in balancing our books, and our charges reflect that, but we do strive to make the service we provide as affordable as possible to everyone.
Regards
Jarl Walsh
General Manager
Manchester Velodrome
The National Cycling Centre
Stuart Street
Manchester
M11 4DQ