Ritterview
05-18-06, 02:35 PM
Cycling racetrack in Fresno's future?
Velodrome would be located at Woodward Park.
By Marek Warszawski / The Fresno Bee
The man behind Fresno's biggest bike race is seeking investors and city approval for a bicycle racetrack at Woodward Park.
Mike Shuemake, race director of the Central Valley Classic, met last week with city officials about the possibility of building a velodrome on an undeveloped parcel near the park's western boundary with Highway 41.
A velodrome is an oval-shaped arena with banked corners, commonly used for Olympic-style track racing. Shuemake envisions a 333-meter concrete surface with lights that could be used by cyclists of all ability levels.
"This is something that's been in the back of my mind for a long time," Shuemake said. "So far the city has been very receptive, and they've got the perfect place for it."
Shuemake said the project's estimated costs — about $600,000 — would be paid for through private donations. The land would be donated by the city.
Fresno could join San Jose, Encino, Carson and San Diego as the only California cities with dedicated bike racetracks. There are roughly two dozen velodromes in the United States.
Excerpt. More at: http://www.fresnobee.com/sports/outdoors/story/12194113p-12937301c.html
Velodrome would be located at Woodward Park.
By Marek Warszawski / The Fresno Bee
The man behind Fresno's biggest bike race is seeking investors and city approval for a bicycle racetrack at Woodward Park.
Mike Shuemake, race director of the Central Valley Classic, met last week with city officials about the possibility of building a velodrome on an undeveloped parcel near the park's western boundary with Highway 41.
A velodrome is an oval-shaped arena with banked corners, commonly used for Olympic-style track racing. Shuemake envisions a 333-meter concrete surface with lights that could be used by cyclists of all ability levels.
"This is something that's been in the back of my mind for a long time," Shuemake said. "So far the city has been very receptive, and they've got the perfect place for it."
Shuemake said the project's estimated costs — about $600,000 — would be paid for through private donations. The land would be donated by the city.
Fresno could join San Jose, Encino, Carson and San Diego as the only California cities with dedicated bike racetracks. There are roughly two dozen velodromes in the United States.
Excerpt. More at: http://www.fresnobee.com/sports/outdoors/story/12194113p-12937301c.html