Games velodrome almost finished

Press, 26 July 1989, Page 27

Games velodrome almost finished

PA Auckland A cycling track of international standard is nearly completed at Manukau. The last section of concrete at the Commonwealth Games velodrome has been poured and hand-trowelled by the Mayor of Manukau, Mr Barry Curtis. “We will see world champions develop on this track,” he said. The project director, Mr Praful Rambhai, said the slope would vary from specifications by only 2mm. Concrete on the 285 m track was sprayed on and hand-screeded because machinery was not sensitive enough.

He said the track was shorter but steeper than the 1988 Seoul Olympics velodrome.

“It is too steep to walk up in ordinary shoes,” he

said. “The steepest grade is 41deg., which is lOdeg. steeper than the Seoul velodrome.” Mr Rambhai said the surface texture was as important as the slope of the track. “If it's too rough, the cyclists won’t be able to go fast enough. If too smooth, they could fall off.” Work continues on a handrail surrounding the track, the grassed centre area and seating. A 500-seat grandstand has been built, but temporary seating for 1200 spectators will be installed. The velodrome will cost $4.3 million, a bill shared by the Manukau City Council, the Government and the Auckland Regional Authority. National cycling trials are expected to be held on the track in November.