Saxton Velodrome – a Community Facility with Huge Potential

Racing cyclists of all ages and abilities will have a first-class venue in the new velodrome at Saxton’s Field, but the $2 million facility is mainly community-focused, catering for school children and those new to cycling, says the trust behind the project.

The 333m outside track will be steeply banked at either end and made of either concrete or asphalt, depending on cost. A 300m inside circuit will offer a flat surface for recreational riders, and the arena in the middle includes a mock road layout for cycle safety training.

The velodrome has been allocated a total of $1.6 million in the Tasman District and Nelson City Council Long Term Plans, with the Saxton’s Velodrome Trust now setting about raising the extra $400,000 needed to make the project possible. It will apply to charitable trusts and is actively seeking donations from the community and local businesses.

Trust chairman Rob Ford says the velodrome should be completed in 12-18 months. Schools have welcomed the project, with indications that they will include cycling in their sports programmes. Primary schools are keen to use the road safety arena.

The velodrome also complements the Councils’ Get Moving campaign, encouraging people to walk and cycle more, he says.

The facility will be ideal for cycling “carnivals”, which are growing in popularity and should draw competitors from throughout New Zealand.

As the logistics of racing on public roads become more difficult, Rob sees the velodrome being the logical alternative.

“The velodrome will be an exciting new community facility,” he says, and Tasman and Nelson is well-placed to cash in on its reputation as “The Heart of Cycling in New Zealand” with perhaps the highest muster of riders per capita in the country. The velodrome will also tie in with Tasman’s Great Taste Trail, the regional network of cycleways and mountain bike tracks. For information on how you can get involved in fund-raising for the velodrome contact Rob Ford on Ph. 03 544 5470