Manchester Attractions

Manchester Velodrome

Manchester Velodrome was opened in September 1994 and is the UK’s leading indoor cycle track. The track the headquarters of the British cycling and also the National Cycling centre. The track has a reputation for speed and more than 15 world records have been set here including Chris Boardman’s hour record in 1996.

This famous track hosted the cycling events for the Commonwealth Games of 2002, as well as the UCI world championships of 1996/2000 and the 2008 meeting.

The tracks bankings reach a massive 42 degrees in the middle. The length of the track is 250 meters long. In 2007 it was decided that a new surface would make this track even faster. The original track was ripped up and replaced with new Siberian pine, making this faster and smoother.

Cycling has become a huge success over the last few years and providing Great Britain with many Gold Medal winners over the past Olympics. The Revolution series, started by the Velodrome back in 2003, is proof of the new interest in cycling. The goal was to build and create a new event which would bring in new riders and spectators to the sport. The series started with four events over the winter season and quickly built up a large following. By the time of the seventh meeting a sell out crowd had arrived.

The trend continues today and nearly all events are sold out in advance. Cycling is riding on the crest of a wave at the moment with stars such as Sir Chris Hoy, Bradley Wiggins, Victoria Pendleton and Jason Quelly all becoming house hold names.

The Velodrome is more though than just a home for Olympic stars though with a huge effort on bringing new and young riders into the sport. Cycling fans of any age or gender can ride this world class track.

Regular sessions are organised each week alongside with starter sessions for the novices. At present lessons can cost as little as just £10.00 including bike hire. Helmets and cycling shoes can also be hired, again for a small fee.

As with the success of cycling, lessons are very popular, and booking in advance is recommended. Manchester Velodrome has been a huge success on and off the track, and is certainly worth a visit, when you are next in Manchester.