Date: Tuesday, 02 September 2014
Posted by: Cycling Southland

Velodrome crowdBikeNZ boss Andrew Matheson stresses New Zealand's two indoor velodromes - Invercargill and Cambridge - will both see top level racing in the future.

The first indoor velodrome in New Zealand was built in Invercargill in 2005 and plenty of New Zealand success on the track has followed. However some Southland cycling folk have expressed concerns as to whether it would now struggle to attract top level action given there is now a new track in Cambridge.

In an attempt to ease those fears Matheson told The Southland Times Invercargill would still play a major role in New Zealand cycling's future.

"Firstly the obvious point is around events, and to have two world class velodromes we can alternate which I think is a great thing. We are in a really good place working with Cycling Southland and the Home of Cycling to work out how to spread the load over the coming years. That's worked out really well. Invercargill is going to play a significant role in that.

"I think the other part is the Invercargill velodrome is going to be a real beacon for talent, they have done an amazing job bringing talent through for the national programme so that role is still going to be a really important part."

Matheson has officially recognised the contribution Southland cycling has played in the success from New Zealand at events such as the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow last month.

Following those Games he sent a letter to Cycling Southland thanking them for what had been done over the years in the development of the sport in New Zealand.

The letter said: "We all know that there is no such thing as overnight success and that it takes many years of commitment and hard work firstly by athletes and coaches, but also importantly those that provide the support structures, and training and racing environments that enable these performances. Without doubt Cycling Southland has played an exceptionally important role in fostering and supporting New Zealand cyclists over a number of years. The strategic approach that Cycling Southland has taken firstly to build a world class velodrome, but also a strong focus on attracting and supporting up and coming talent has been significant."

Article courtesy The Southland Times
© Copyright 2023 Cycling Southland. All rights reserved.
Powered by Flatout CMS v5