TWO TRACKS UNDER CONSIDERATION Denton Oval is likely Games cycling venue

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32563, 24 March 1971, Page 36

TWO TRACKS UNDER CONSIDERATION Denton Oval is likely Games cycling venue

(By K. J. McMENAMIN) Although a definite decision will not be made for some weeks, it appears that Denton Oval is favoured over English Park as the cycling venue for the 1974 Commonwealth Games.

Last month, the two local bodies which control the alternative sites received reports outlining the deficiencies of their tracks and detailing the work that would have to be done to bring them up to the required standard.

The reports were compiled by Mr R. T. Sowry, a Wellington expert on cycle tracks, and although they have not been made public it is understood he called for extensive alterations to both circuits.

The two local bodies concerned the Christchurch City Council (English Park) and the Paparua County Council (Denton Ova!) —were asked to study Mr Sowry’s reports and estimate the costs of upgrading their tracks; Once these figures are available the two local bodies, the Games organising committee •nd the New Zealand Amateur Cycling Association will decide which track to use.

Estimate made The City Council’s estimate for modifying English Park has already been received by the Games Committee’s sports chairman (Mr H. C. Blazey). The Paparua county engineer (Mr A. Dyhrberg) has completed his estimate on the work to be done at Denton Oval and it will be discussed by the council at its next meeting, on April 5.

One of the drawbacks to competitive cycling at Denton Oval is the gusty easterly wind, which has so far defied solution. It has been investigated by officers of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and a report is expected from them shortly. However, notwithstanding the estimates each council will produce and the problems involved, there seems little doubt that Paparua will have the cycling if it wants it. Costly venture The City Council is already heavily committed to costly Games projects and would hardly welcome the additional burden of having to lay a new track as would almost certainly be necessary at English Park. The cost of such an undertaking would run into six figures, and as the amount for upgrading Denton Oval is likely to be considerably less, it would seem that if there is no other consideration than finance, Denton Oval must be favoured. There could also be complications in regard to soccer’s position at English Park as this sport has firmly established its home there and has helped in the making of cap-

ital improvements to the ground. Loss of revenue If a new track was laid it could mean the end of the oval as a full-sized soccer field. Soccer would have to find a new headquarters and English Park would thus lose its principal money-making tenant. However, as with all Games sports, the final say in the choice of venue rests with the national body of the sport. It is, therefore, fortunate that cycling administrators in

general have an open mind on the alternatives and will probably settle quite happily for which ever of the two the Games committee recommends. If Denton Oval is approved, cycling in Christchurch will not only have a world-class track, but one with new spectator and competitor facilities which would have to be provided for the Games. Parking space Ample space for parking is another item in favour of Denton Oval. English Park’s major assets are that it is comparatively free from wind interference, is centrally located, already has spectator and competitor facilities, and as a past venue for national championships is a proven stadium for the successful running of a major cycling meeting. However, the track will be the major consideration and it follows that the one which will cost the least to upgrade will gain the most votes. On that reasoning, the people of Hornby can look forward to an influx of visitors early in 1974.