Carmarthen Velodrome reopens after renovation

One of the world’s oldest velodromes reopens today following £600,000 worth of improvement work. The 405-metre Carmarthen Velodrome has had the 232 concrete panels that comprise its track replaced as part of a wider strategy to make Carmarthenshire a major centre for cycling.

Carmarthen Velodrome was opened on Easter Monday in 1900 and will today see a reopening ceremony involving local club Towy Riders.

Speaking in June, Carmarthen town and county councillor Alun Lenny said: “We have worked very closely with the local cycling community and the wider national cycling bodies to ensure that the new cycling surface will be fit for purpose and will be of the required standard that will allow national and possibly international competitions to take place once again in Carmarthen.”

We are proud to announce that we have today had approval from British Cycling for the redeveloped Carmarthen Velodrome. #velodrome pic.twitter.com/abVslxLX1n

— Carmarthen Velodrome (@carmvelodrome) October 20, 2017

Welsh Cycling development officer Aled Jones said the new track has been sandblasted to provide more grip.

"Concrete velodromes tend to be quicker than tarmac," he said.

Towy Riders coach Emyr Griffiths was impressed with the surface.

"I've ridden on a similar velodrome in Roubaix... I think it's as good if not better. This was Towy Riders' hub... we've been away from this location for a while and we're looking forward to coming back."

Carmarthenshire council leader Emlyn Dole told the BBC that there are now plans for a closed road circuit track at Pembrey and a cycle path for the Tywi valley.

The two oldest velodromes in the world, both of which are in the UK, have also had extensive refurbishment in recent years following fears that they might have to close.

Preston Park Velodrome in Brighton opened in 1877, while Herne Hill Velodrome in south London dates back to 1890 and is the last surviving venue of the 1948 Olympic Games.