cairns velodrome project - Townsville Cycle Club

PROVIDERS OF ROAD AND TRACK CYCLE RACING IN FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND
Cairns Cycling Club Inc.,
PO Box 7996,
CAIRNS. QLD. 4870.
www.cairns.cycling.org.au
Celebrating well over a century of cycle racing in the Cairns region
CAIRNS
VELODROME
PROJECT
February, 2013
CAIRNS VELODROME PROJECT
PREFACE
Cycle racing is one of Cairns’ oldest organised sports, having commenced in the region in the
1890s. The Cairns Cycling Club is a Cycling Australia affiliated organisation covering the
traditional disciplines of road and track racing. The club caters for a range of participant ages,
with competitive members ranging in age from nine years, to retirees in their sixties. The club
has had even older competitive and non-competitive members. We have non-competitive
members as young as six who are being schooled in the skills and knowledge that they need
to move on into racing, and which they will benefit from in other areas of their lives.
Over recent years Cairns has been producing outstanding junior track riders. Already in 2013
we have seen Cairns junior riders represent Australia against their international peers with
distinction.
These achievements are remarkable when it is considered that Cairns has a track cycling
facility vastly inferior to other major regional centres in Queensland. While the current
facility has served the area well for over 50 years, it is far removed from what is expected in
this day and age. We consider that the current facility not only falls short of what is needed in
developing local track cycling talent, but also hinders our ability to promote the sport to
potential participants.
There are a range of possibilities for the development of a new velodrome facility for the
Cairns region. These range from outdoor developments, through to a modern indoor
multisport facility.
We have approached the process of producing this document with the view that we may not
be the only stakeholder in a new velodrome development. As such we have not sought to
“pick winners” at this stage purely on the grounds that they suit the needs of track cycling.
Instead we have aimed to provide a broad range of information relevant to track racing and
velodromes, and where these may fit into a broader sporting landscape. No all possibilities
are fully compatible with the needs of track cycling, but may be an asset to the broader
community.
Possible developments have not been taken beyond a high level view. More detailed
proposals can be developed once there is a clearer indication of where a project may head,
what other stakeholders may be involved, and how much input may be required from them.
We hope that the document provides readers with a better understanding of track cycling than
they started with, as well as an idea of the different options that are available in developing a
new velodrome to service track cycle racing in far north Queensland.
Yours sincerely,
Jeff Snoad
President – Cairns Cycling Club
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CYCLE RACING IN CAIRNS
BEGINNINGS
Cycle racing is one of Cairns’ longest established organized sports, commencing sometime in
the 1890s. The earliest club was the Cairns Cycle Club which began racing at a track in
Munro Martin Park. Later a track was developed at Freshwater in the area of the current
horse sports grounds. Road racing was also conducted in the region.
SMITH PARK – A LONG TERM HOME FOR TRACK RACING
In the 1950s, the late Mr Smith bequeathed a former dairy to the council on the proviso it be
used to further the interests of cycle racing in the region. This site is located on a block
bounded by Alfred, Moody, Keeble and Koch Streets at Manunda.
A view of Smith Park Cycledrome.
The facility became known as Smith Park Cycledrome, and has been the centre of track
racing in Cairns ever since. The first track was constructed of clay, and was resurfaced with
bitumen in the early 1960s. The track itself is a 400 metre circular 'saucer style'. While of a
configuration that was reasonably common in years past, it is not a velodrome in the modern
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sense. Lighting is in place to allow use at night.
Over the years Smith Park hosted numerous important events, including Australian
professional championships, state and regional titles, and regional games.
CAIRNS CLUBS THROUGH THE YEARS
A number of different clubs have existed in Cairns, and over considerable periods there has
been more than one at a time. This was largely borne of the divide between amateur and
professional cycling. At one point there were three clubs in Cairns, catering for amateurs,
professionals, and a ladies club.
The removal of distinction between amateur and professional cycling allowed a single club
for all riders, and resulted in the formation of the Cairns Cycling Club. The club continues to
operate, promoting and conducting racing in the disciplines of road and track racing.
CYCLE RACING DEMOGRAPHIC
Across Australia, cycling racing has seen an increase in participation by Masters age group
competitors. Cairns is no different, and typically the major components of our membership
are those under 19 years, and those over 35 years of age. Cycle sport presents an opportunity
for someone to maintain involvement for much of their lives, and encouraging participation
by all ages has benefits to health and fitness that extend well beyond the sport of cycling. We
believe it in everyone’s interest to encourage participation in cycle sport by juniors, and
maintain this participation through their lifetimes into more senior years.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS BY CAIRNS RIDERS IN RECENT YEARS
Cycling in Cairns has a long record in the sporting landscape of Cairns, with many long term
residents having some level of involvement with the sport over the years. The club has
fostered athletic talent and seen members go on the sporting success. Success of Cairns
products over more recent years has included those given below.
Ashley Hutchinson – Ashley was a member of numerous
Australian track teams competing at international events. His
successes included being a member of the World Championship
Team Pursuit team in 2003. He also competed with success in road
racing, including internationally.
Adam Hansen – Adam is a professional road racer on the World
Tour, (the highest level of professional road cycling), and has ridden
for a number of professional road teams in Europe. His
achievements include twice winning the Crocodile Trophy mountain
bike race, and the Australian Road Time Trial Championship. In
2012 Adam was the only rider to complete all three of international
cycling’s Grand Tour three week stage races in a single year.
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Tennille Falappi – An U19 rider, Tennille has enjoyed
considerable success as a track racer. She recently competed for
Australia at the 2013 Youth Olympic Festival of Sport, and
returned with a Gold and Silver Medals. She followed this up with
two gold and a silver medal at the recent Australian Track
Championships. She has been selected to represent Australia at the
World Junior Championships in Glasgow later this year.
Kiara Dundas – An U17 rider, Kiara competed for Australia at
the 2013 Youth Olympic Festival of Sport, and returned with a
Silver Medal. Kiara made the state junior team in her first year
competing, and has been the Queensland Track Cyclist of the Year
in different age divisions. In 2012 she won every individual event
in her division at the Queensland Junior Championships. It is rare
for a rider to take all wins across sprint and endurance events.
Emma Doolan – Emma is an U15 rider who took up track cycling
two years ago. She made the state team in her first year, and this
year will again represent Queensland at the National Junior Track
Cycling Championships. In 2012 she was chosen as the
Queensland U15 Female Track Cyclist of the Year.
Of the four riders in the Australian women’s sprint team for the 2013 Youth Olympic Festival
of Sport, two were from Cairns. In 2011 Cairns riders achieved more wins at the Queensland
Junior Track Championships than any other club in the state. Subsequently, in 2011 the only
medals achieved by Queenslanders at the National Junior Track Championship went to
Cairns riders.
2013 was shaping to be another outstanding year for Cairns riders at the Queensland Junior
Track Cycling Championships. In addition to our accomplished female riders, a crop of
younger male riders have been developing. The event was scheduled for the Australia Day
long weekend at Chandler, Queensland’s premier cycling facility. Unfortunately this is an
outdoor velodrome, and rain caused the championships to be abandoned without a single
event being run. While the event is now rescheduled for late March, attending brings with it
the burden of considerable additional travel and accommodation expenses for those from
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regional areas. This would not have occurred in any other state, with all having indoor
velodromes as their premier track cycling facilities.
While the Cairns Cycling club has outstanding riders coming through the junior ranks, the
primary focus of the club is not on high performance. Instead the junior development focus is
on participation, enjoyment and skills development, while at the same time endeavouring to
facilitate meeting the needs of those interested in high performance in a low pressure and
enjoyable environment. We believe that our primary measure of success should be how
effectively we maintain participation of juniors into senior, and eventually masters cycling.
Hopefully our juniors of today will still be involved in cycle racing, training and/or riding
activities in fifty years and beyond.
TRACK RACING AND FACILITIES
WHAT TRACK RACING IS
Track racing involves the use of purpose built bikes to compete on a track with a hard
surface. These bikes have a single fixed gear, and no brakes. Various events are conducted in
track racing, varying from sprint to endurance in nature.
Views of track racing at the 2012 London Olympic Games
TRACK LENGTHS
Tracks are typically between 166.7 and 500 metres. For high level competition tracks are
required to be no less than 250 metres. Today it is unlikely a high level completion would be
held on an outdoor track. Because of the cost involved in constructing a covered velodrome,
tracks constructed for the purposes of international competition tend to be at the minimum
250 metre size.
Outdoor tracks vary considerably in size. Sizes of 333.3 and 400 metres are popular, though
up to 500 metres is used.
TRACKS AND VELODROMES
While the term track is used to cover any number of designs, velodrome typically refers to a
specific kind of track. A velodrome has semicircular bends at the ends which are joined by
straights. The bends are banked to make it easier for a bicycle to negotiate them at speed. The
straights are also banked to smooth the transition into the banking on the ends, but this
banking is far less steep than the bends.
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VELODROME CONSTRUCTION
The best velodrome surface is timber, because it provides a smooth, fast track. National and
international competition would almost invariably be held on a timber velodrome in most
countries. While there are some exceptions, timber velodromes are typically indoor or
covered to protect them from the elements.
Outdoor velodromes are typically constructed from concrete. While bitumen is used where
banking is shallow, on a modern style steeply banked track it is not a suitable material due to
the inability use heavy rollers on the banking during construction.
Oversees, many concrete tracks are finished with a 7mm thick mixture of epoxy-resin and
fine aggregate to provide a smooth and fast surface that is impervious to water. This provides
a better racing surface that dries far quicker in the event of rain.
INDOOR, COVERED AND OUTDOOR
Velodromes can be indoor, covered, or outdoor. Each of these has advantages and
disadvantages, as will be discussed below.
Indoor
Indoor velodromes are the premium facility. They allow the use of timber tracks, which give
the best racing surface. Tracks cannot be safely used for racing or training when the surface is
wet, so an indoor velodrome provides an all-weather facility.
There are six indoor cycling facilities in Australia as detailed in brief below.
Sydney – Dunc Gray Velodrome which was used in the 2000 Olympic games, as well as for
numerous local, state, national and international events. It has a 250 metre timber track.
The London Olympic Velodrome presents the highest standards in velodrome design
Melbourne – Hisense Arena is better known as a tennis stadium used in the Australian Open.
However it was designed as a multipurpose arena that includes a 250 metre timber
velodrome, as well as being configurable for other sports. At the 2006 Melbourne
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Commonwealth Games it hosted track cycling, netball and basketball competition. It is also
used as a concert venue.
Melbourne – The Darebin International Sports Centre (DISC) is the country’s newest indoor
facility and was completed in 2005. It is the primary indoor velodrome used in Melbourne,
with Hisense Arena typically only used for major events. It has a 250 metre timber track.
Adelaide – The Adelaide Superdrome is the home of the Australian Institute of sport track
cycling program. It has a 250 metre timber track, and has hosted numerous national and
international events.
Perth – The Perth SpeedDome opened in 1989, and is combined cycling and roller sports
stadium. It has hosted many events including a Track Cycling World Championships. The
track is timber and 250 metres long.
Launceston – Opening in 1985, the Launceston Silverdome is a multipurpose facility with a
primary focus on cycling and netball (it can have up to three courts utilised simultaneously).
It can also be configured for other sports like basketball and indoor hockey, and has been
used for indoor bowls, wood-chopping, wrestling, indoor athletics and judo. The timber track
is long by indoor standards at 285.7 metres.
The Burnaby Velodrome in Canada uses an air supported roof to cover the cycling track. While this type of
construction is less common in Australia, it is used oversees and is said to offer a far cheaper method of
covering large spans than conventional building methods. The central area at Burnaby includes four volleyball
courts.
In spite of their usefulness as multisport facilities, indoor velodromes are uncommon. The
reason for this is simply cost. An indoor velodrome requires very large spans in the building
roof, requiring considerable structural strength and associated increased costs. The costs of an
indoor facility are often expressed in terms of the ratio of track cost to that of the whole
facility. Typically the cost of the cycling track is said to be between two and ten percent of
the total cost, with most of the rest going into the building to cover it.
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However new developments in air supported structures are emerging that may be applied to
reduce the cost. These are being used fairly extensively to create all weather sporting fields
and facilities in North America. They are erected in both cold and hot climates to protect
areas used for sport including swimming pools, multisport facilities, ice hockey rinks,
football fields, athletics fields, velodromes and even golf driving ranges for far less than
conventional building techniques. One manufacturer claims to be able to cover areas of up to
110 metre span, and any length.
However, even with the application of a cheaper technology to house an indoor facility, the
costs of covering an area the size of a velodrome would remain considerable. In addition to
this the short and long term costs of ventilation and maintenance must also be considered.
To justify the costs involved in an indoor facility it is often necessary to configure and use it
extensively for a number of different purposes. This in turn affects the amount of time the
facility is available for track cycling use.
Covered
There are a number of examples of covered velodromes around the world. These vary from
partially covered, (where only the track and spectators are covered), through to coverage of
the infield as well.
The Cottbus Velodrome in Germany is an example of a partially covered velodrome
Partial coverage brings with it some cost advantages in that support does not have to be
provided all the way across the structure. Using modern fabric technologies, the weight of the
roof can be further reduced bringing the structural cost down further. A disadvantage of
partial coverage is that wind can blow rain onto the track making it unusable until it dries.
Partial coverage also means that the central area cannot be used for other activities during wet
weather.
Full coverage eliminates the issues presented with partial coverage in all but extreme
conditions. It also brings advantages over indoor facilities in that there is no need for
ventilation systems and their inherent costs. However this also brings with it the issue that
these facilities can become hot and uncomfortable when ambient temperatures are high, or
there is inadequate breeze.
While there are costs savings from this kind of construction, they are not that much cheaper
than indoor facilities. The building must still span the track and spectator area, and the only
saving is in side walls and ventilation systems.
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The Alcides Nieto Patiño Velodrome in Cali, Colombia is a covered velodrome. While not completely enclosed,
it is still used for hosting major international competitions
Outdoor
Outdoor velodromes are by far the most common in Australia and around the world. While
they are subject to prevailing weather conditions, they come at lower cost than those with any
configuration of covering.
The Idalia Velodrome in Townsville, the only modern style velodrome north of Rockhampton. The picture on
the right is of some Cairns juniors attending a track camp in Townsville for experience on the banking, and was
taken as riders exited the corner shown on the bottom of the picture on the left.
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USAGE OF THE CAIRNS FACILITY
Smith Park Cycledrome is used for group activities most days each week.

Racing is held each Wednesday evening, and some Saturday evenings.

Junior Development sessions are held each Saturday morning. These focus on skills
development, and are an important part of introducing newcomers to track cycling,
and increasing the knowledge and skills of experienced juniors.

Track training sessions (primarily attended by juniors) are held on Sunday and
Tuesday afternoons

Senior motor pacing sessions are held on Friday afternoons. Some older juniors also
attend these sessions.
In addition to this, the facility is used by individual and groups of club members for training
at different times.
The facility has also been used by the Cairns Triathlon Club for organised training seasons
for juniors and seniors in recent years.
SHORTCOMINGS OF THE CURRENT CAIRNS FACILITY
OUT DATED DESIGN
The track was constructed over 50 years ago. Since that time standards and expectations have
changed. The facilities at other regional centres are far superior to that in Cairns. Both
Townsville and Rockhampton have modern style velodromes, The facility in Bundaberg is
less modern in style, but still superior to the Cairns track. Even centres such as Toowoomba
and Caboolture have superior facilities to Cairns.
The style of the Cairns track is no longer considered suitable for competition at state level or
above. This makes Cairns an unsuitable venue for state or national championship racing. It
would also be unsuitable as a site for high level track training for state, national or overseas
squads looking for a training or acclimatisation venue ahead of major national or
international events.
While still usable as a track for club type racing, visitors are often surprised that Cairns riders
achieve success in racing on velodromes given the facility upon which they train and race on
a routine basis. In order to get the experience that they need, Cairns riders seeking high
performance are forced to travel to compete on modern style velodromes at every
opportunity.
DRAINAGE INFRASTRUCTURE
Like much of the surrounding area, Smith Park is situated on what would once have been a
swampy area, and is prone to very wet soil conditions for a considerable part of the year. The
drainage infrastructure in place was installed over 50 years ago. The methods used are out
dated, and the infrastructure itself has gone past its serviceable life. Without major works, the
current track facility is at risk of serious damage resulting from the effects of inadequate
drainage.
TRACK SURFACE
The track surface is in need of repair. The original bitumen for the track was laid over 50
years ago, and since then it has been resurfaced numerous times. Due to the nature of the
ground and the way that the track was originally constructed, undulations in the surface occur
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over time. At resurfacing these are filled, however they return as the ground further shifts or
sinks underneath. Even with resurfacing, the track will continue to redevelop unevenness and
cracking again over time.
FACILITIES
While Smith Park has a building nominally called a clubhouse, the club has found it
necessary to use a considerable part of this to house a permanent caretaker to ensure security.
In addition, the primary building was moved to the site over 50 years ago, and was not new
then. Aspects of the current facilities do not suit the purposes of the club.
NEAREST MODERN STYLE VELODROME SUITABLE FOR
TRACK RACING AND TRAINING
The nearest facility suitable for track racing and training is in Townsville. This is a more
modern style velodrome of 333.3 meters constructed in the early 1990s with a view to
establishing Townsville as the premier track cycling venue north of Brisbane. The track was
modelled on the Chandler Velodrome in Brisbane, which was constructed for the 1982
Commonwealth Games.
Issues arose during construction, and a few different contractors were involved in the
concreting of the track. Unfortunately there appears to have been issues with the expertise of
some contractors involved, and areas of the track surface suffer from deformation and
warping. While remediation work has been attempted on more than one occasion, the track
surface is not as good as would be desired. Cairns has the opportunity to develop a superior
facility, and in doing so take a position as the premier cycling venue in regional Queensland.
Townsville’s facility is too far away for Cairns riders to use other than for occasional visits
for training camps and annual competitions.
REASONS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW VELODROME
CURRENT TRACK DATED
The track design is out dated, and not considered suitable for championship competition at
state level or above. Events such as State Junior or Senior Track Championships could not be
attracted to Cairns given the current facilities.
Events such as national championships, national level track series (senior and junior) and
international competitions are restricted to the indoor tracks such as those in Sydney,
Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Launceston. Currently no national or international track
cycling event would be held in Queensland because the state doesn’t have an indoor
velodrome.
It is impossible to attract state, national or international level squads to the region for training
and/or acclimatisation purposes with the current track. The degree to which these points
could be changed would depend upon the type of facility constructed.
The current track fails to offer an opportunity for riders to gain the skills and experience
necessary to compete on modern style velodromes. Unless riders travel to gain experience in
riding on velodromes, they are at considerable disadvantage when attending major
competitions.
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The far north Queensland region has a proud history in cycle sport, attracting visitors and
promoting the area. The addition of a modern velodrome to Cairns would complete this city
as a premier cycle sport destination.
CURRENT INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIRES EXTENSIVE MAINTENANCE
The current track and drainage infrastructure is over 50 years old. While maintenance has
been conducted over the years, elements of the infrastructure are at the end of their
serviceable life. While the club would continue to operate the current infrastructure
indefinitely into the future, the continuing use of funds to patch up out dated infrastructure is
open to question.
ENHANCED ATTRACTIVENESS OF SPORTS PARTICIPATION
Cycle racing and participation in organised cycling activities are growth sports in Australia.
By nature cycle racing allows competitors to continue cycling activity and racing into older
ages. The Cairns Cycling Club has racing members aged from nine, right through to retirees.
The club has non-racing members as young as six.
Track cycle racing has been getting increased coverage on television over recent years. Last
year saw extensive coverage of the Australian and World Track Cycling Championships, as
well as competition at the Olympic Games. In 2013 we have already seen extensive coverage
of the Australian Track Cycling Championships in prime time, and the World Track Cycling
Championships live, with highlights in prime time on free to air television.
Track cycling provides an exciting spectacle, and the idea of participation would appeal to
many young people. However to someone looking to enter the sport, facilities in Cairns are
not what they would expect from viewing on television. This has a potential impact upon the
ability of the club to encourage further participation. This is unfortunate, as the sport has a lot
to offer. While all ages could benefit from the physical aspects of participation, young people
can also benefit from in the areas of perception of risk, and as an outlet that may otherwise be
expressed in driving or other high risk behaviour.
The same issue applies to those who have been previously involved in track racing moving to
Cairns. The current facility does not offer what they are used to, resulting in a greater chance
that they will not continue with, or reinvolve themselves in the sport.
A proper velodrome facility would enhance the attractiveness of track racing to potential new
participants, and enhance opportunities to maintain participation among those who have
already had an involvement.
INTANGIBLE IMPACTS OF IMPROVED FACILITIES
Cairns has seen the development of some high standard sporting facilities over the years. We
believe that this has intangible benefits that are not always immediately apparent. Young high
level athletes from regional centres often feel the need to move in order to access facilities
and coaching of what they feel is an appropriate standard for their further sporting
development. This is often in capital cities, and in the case of Queensland this means track
cyclists are forced to look interstate.
It should be recognised that the young people seeking further development in their sports are
often motivated high achievers in areas other than sport. While the Cairns region now offers a
range of tertiary and further education and employment options, many will still feel the need
to seek opportunities in capital cities. Many of these talented and motivated young people
will not return to regional centres.
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We suggest the continued development of modern high class sporting facilities which can:

attract more and higher standard events; and,

foster and maintain participation and development of participants and coaches,
will aid in the retention of motivated and talented young people in the region.
POSSIBILITIES FOR A VELODROME DEVELOPMENT FOR
CAIRNS
There are a number of different possible configurations for a velodrome development. The
choice of configuration is often the result of a series of compromises that result in the best
overall outcome.
PARTIALLY COVERED, FULLY COVERED OR INDOOR FACILITY OPTION
The best configuration for a covered or indoor facility would be a timber 250 metre timber
track. A facility such as this could be of international standard, and in that case make Cairns a
potential site for a range of higher level track cycling events.
The Cairns climate makes a covered or indoor facility a desirable outcome. That said, an
indoor or fully covered facility comes at considerable cost, and it is difficult to see that it is
viable option for a single sport in a regional centre. Viability could only be improved by
making it a multisport complex. Such a facility could provide an all-weather venue for sports
including netball, basketball, tennis, gymnastics, short course athletics, volleyball, rollerskating, roller-blading, as well as a number of other activities, and would be a valuable asset
to the far north region given our location in the wet tropics.
Given the level of use of the current facilities, it is difficult to see that track cycling could be
fully accommodated along with the number of other sports that would need access to justify
the outlay for this kind of facility. As such, it seems that even with a new velodrome in a
fully covered or indoor multisport facility, the club would still need to maintain its current
facility to cater for times the new one was in use by other sports.
A partially covered facility would be a cheaper option than fully covered or indoor. Coverage
could be provided for the track to allow use during some adverse weather conditions that
would otherwise stop usage at an outdoor facility.
OUTDOOR FACILITY OPTION
An outdoor velodrome will never be considered international standard. It is highly unlikely
that it would be considered suitable for national level events such as the National
Championships, or the National Junior Track Series. It would be of a standard to host State
Championships until such time as Queensland gets an indoor velodrome. It would also be
suitable for regional events and Open track events.
An outdoor velodrome would be a far less costly option, making it more feasible as a
standalone facility. The most favourable configuration for an outdoor velodrome appears to
be a track of 333.3 metres. This is a good size track for club, regional and Open track
carnivals. The larger radius of the bends means that banking can be less steep than a 250
metre velodrome for the same cornering characteristics, making for a track a bit less
intimidating to newcomers and juniors.
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CHOICE OF TRACK LENGTH AND CONFIGURATION
Like many other areas in life, the decision on what configuration of track achieves the best
outcome is based on various compromises which vary according to the circumstances.
There are advantages and disadvantages to different track lengths and configurations. Ideally
a longer track of up to 333.3 metres has advantages as a home track for a regional cycling
club. The longer length comes with longer radius bends, and with this the banking can be
made less steep for the same cornering characteristics.
However a longer track also brings with it extra costs if the facility were to be partially or
completely covered. Being situated in the wet tropics, there would be advantages to a Cairns
track being usable in wet weather. In this case a track length of 250 metres may be advisable
on the grounds of cost.
SITING A NEW VELODROME DEVELOPMENT
The decision on siting a new velodrome facility may be influenced according to the type of
facility that was developed.
Covered or indoor facility
A covered or indoor facility for the use of cycling and a limited number of other uses could
be situated at Smith Park.
Smith Park would not be a suitable location for an indoor multisport facility that included a
velodrome, as the existing facility would still be needed to service the needs of track cycling.
Outdoor facility
Smith Park would provide a suitable location to locate an outdoor cycling facility, in that it is
an existing cycle sport facility relatively central to the city of Cairns.
INCLUSIONS IN A VELODROME PROJECT
Warm up / cool down area
Athletes need areas to warm up during an event, and cool down afterwards. This would be
served by the following additions.

A warm up track situated in the velodrome infield

Areas for athletes to set up trainers or rollers on either the infield or outside the track
safety fence
Public address system
The facility would need a public address system to serve the needs of spectators and
competitors. Care should be taken in the design of this to ensure that impacts upon
neighbouring properties were minimised.
Scoreboard and lap scoring board
Scoreboard and lap scoring hardware are required to service the needs of competitors,
spectators and officials
Seating for spectators
Seating is required for spectators. The amount of seating would be dependent upon the
configuration of velodrome facility constructed.
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Lighting
The facility would require lighting. Care should be taken in design of lighting to ensure that
impacts upon neighbouring properties were minimised. The current facility has lighting, and
depending upon the configuration of velodrome constructed it may be feasible to reuse parts
of this hardware in a new facility.
Toilets, showers and change rooms
The facility would need to have toilets, showers and change rooms to service the needs of
competitors, officials and spectators.
Drug control facilities
Seeking to gain a competitive advantage has been part of sport since it began. With this
comes the need to ensure that competitors aren’t using inappropriate methods. The need for,
and extent of drug control facilities would vary according to the type of facility constructed,
and what sorts of events were targeted with it.
It may be possible to cater for the needs of drug control sampling through the appropriate
design of other amenities.
Kiosk and covered area
A kiosk and covered area adjacent to this would be required to service the needs of
competitors, spectators and officials.
Office and meeting room facilities
The club currently has no facility to use as an office, meeting or training room. This creates a
range of issues including the areas of:

Meeting with cycling’s administering, government agencies, sponsors or potential
sponsors and the like

Club meetings including general and specific purpose (events planning etc.)

Training areas for coaches, officials and riders
Car park
The facility would require a car park suitable to service the needs of all users of the facility.
POSSIBILITIES FOR A VELODROME DEVELOPMENT IN BRIEF
Four possibilities for a new velodrome facility are given below. These are listed in order of
cost from lowest to highest. The possibilities range in scope from the development of a
modern velodrome in keeping with those currently situated in other regional centres, through
to an indoor multisport facility capable of hosting a range of events and sports through to
international competition level.
Outdoor velodrome complex at Smith Park
This possibility would involve the construction of an outdoor velodrome at Smith Park.
Ideally the track would be the longest that could fit within the grounds up to a maximum of
333.3 metres. The track would be constructed of reinforced concrete over compacted earth.
The track should have a large apron on the inside to allow use for other cycling purposes such
as bicycle education or triathletes, where the use of track banking may not be desired.
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CAIRNS VELODROME PROJECT
Ideally, previously mentioned inclusions would also be part of the project. Some of these
inclusions would be essential.
A facility such as this would provide a modern style and useful track that would service the
needs of a regional cycling club. It would be suitable for the following.

Club racing, training and junior development on a modern style velodrome

Regional training camps for rider skill development and experience

Regional and State Calendar level track racing events

State championship level events (at least until an indoor facility is built in
Queensland).

Use by other wheeled sports and activity groups such as triathletes, roller blades,
roller skates, wheelchairs and general bicycle education.
This type of facility would be unusable during, (and for some time after) even the slightest of
rainfall events. As expected for an outdoor facility situated in the wet tropics, it would also
have practical limitations during considerable parts of the day due to exposure to the sun.
A facility such as this would by highly unlikely to be considered for national or international
level racing events, championships, and training or acclimatisation camps at either junior or
senior level. That said, a development such as this would still have opportunities to host
Masters age group events.
Partially covered velodrome complex at Smith Park
This possibility would involve the construction of a velodrome with a weather covering at
Smith Park. While a larger track would be desirable, the costs in involved in covering the
velodrome would most likely limit size to 250 metres.
Properly planned, a partially covered facility could be constructed in stages, with the track
and associated facilities constructed first, and the covering added at a later date.
The best configuration for a partially covered velodrome would appear to be a concrete track
of 250 metres, with a steel framework and soft roofing to provide coverage over the track and
selected areas.
The track should have a large apron on the inside to allow use for other cycling purposes such
as bicycle education or triathletes, where the use of track banking may not be desired.
Ideally, previously mentioned inclusions would also be part of the project. Some of these
inclusions would be essential.
A facility such as this would service the needs of a regional cycling club, and would be
suitable for the following.

Club racing and training on a modern style velodrome

Regional training camps for rider skill development and experience

Regional and State Calendar level track racing events

State championship level events (at least until an indoor facility is built in
Queensland)

Use by other wheeled sports and activity groups such as triathletes, roller blades,
roller skates, wheelchairs and general bicycle education.
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CAIRNS VELODROME PROJECT
This type of facility would be more usable throughout the year than a full outdoor facility.
Usage may be curtailed during periods where wind accompanied rain, and afterwards until
the track dried. The all-weather use for other mentioned wheeled activities would depend
upon the degree of coverage provided and the sensitivity of the activity to wet conditions.
This kind of facility would be more usable in the wet tropics than a full outdoor type.
A facility such as this would be highly unlikely to be considered for national or international
level racing events, or championships at national or international level. It would be quite
unlikely to be chosen for national or international training or acclimatisation camps at senior
level, and unlikely at junior level. That said, a development such as this would be reasonably
attractive for hosting Masters age group events.
Indoor or covered velodrome complex at Smith Park
This possibility would involve the construction of an indoor or covered velodrome complex
at Smith Park. Due to the level of use the club has for a track cycling facility, there would be
limits to the number of other sports that could be accommodated in a facility at Smith Park.
The track would be 250 metres and constructed of concrete or timber, with the latter
considered to give the best racing surface.
Ideally, previously mentioned inclusions would also be part of the project. Some of these
inclusions would be essential.
A facility such as this would provide for all the needs of the club, and could be of
international standard. It would be usable throughout the year in almost all foreseeable
climatic conditions for the full range of training and racing activities. It would also be useful
for a wide range of wheeled sports and activity groups such as triathletes, roller blades, roller
skates, wheelchairs and general bicycle education.
A facility such as this could be considered for national or international level racing events,
championships, and training or acclimatisation camps at either junior or senior level. It would
be a very attractive venue for any number of Masters age group events.
Indoor or covered multisport complex including a velodrome at another site
This possibility would involve the construction of an indoor or covered multisport facility
that included a velodrome. The track length would be 250 metres, with a racing surface of
concrete or timber, with the latter the preferred option. The central area inside the track could
be configured for a number of court sports, and/or with an indoor (short course) athletics
track (the standard distance for a short course athletics track is 200 metres, which would fit
inside the 250 metre velodrome). Track and seating arrangements could be flexible to allow
competition in a number of different sports and service a range of spectator numbers.
A facility such as this could be of international standard across a range of sports including
cycling. It would be usable throughout the year in almost all foreseeable climatic conditions.
It could be considered for hosting national or international level racing events,
championships, and training or acclimatisation camps at either junior, senior or masters level.
While a facility such as this would be an asset to a range of sports including track cycling, the
multisport nature (and the needs of other sports to use it) would mean that the full needs of
track cycling in Cairns could not be serviced by this facility alone. As such the adoption of
this model would require the club to continue operation of its existing facility.
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CONCLUSION
There are various possibilities for the development of a modern velodrome complex in the
Cairns region. A range of four possibilities have been presented, ranging from an outdoor
track cycle sport facility that could be used by other wheeled sports, through to an indoor
multisport complex that could service the needs of a range of sports to international level.
This document has sought to provide information about track cycling, and facilities, and put
forward four possibilities for a new velodrome development for Cairns. This has been done to
high level only, with a view to ensuring that there is understanding of where such a
development could fit in the landscape of track cycling, and the broader sporting landscape of
Cairns. More detailed development of options can be undertaken once the desired goals of a
development have been defined.
While the question of what development would be best for track cycling (and potentially
other activities) in Cairns is open, what is not in question is that the current track cycling
facility in Cairns is significantly below the standard of those in other major regional centres.
Rockhampton and Townsville have modern style concrete velodromes, while Bundaberg, and
even Caboolture and Toowoomba sport superior track cycling facilities to Cairns.
This puts Cairns at a disadvantage in:

developing junior, senior and masters riders in track cycling disciplines;

encouraging participation by potential and former riders;

retaining participants through the junior, senior and masters age groups;

conducting events; and,

attracting racing and training events to the region.
The addition of a modern velodrome to Cairns would complete this city as a premier cycle
sport destination.
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