After nearly three decades of wait, work of the velodrome project for cyclists was launched here on Sunday.
The first in the State, this velodrome project had been the dream of the cyclists of Vijayapura district, which has emerged as heartland for professional cyclists in the State.
K. Abhaychandra Jain, Minister of State for Youth Services and Sports, after launching the project, said, “I am pleased to launch the work of this ambitious project. Though the project is proposed to be completed within 18 months, I have instructed the officials of the Sports Department to make sure it is completed within 12 months itself.”
Delays galore
After years of struggle by cyclists here, the project was approved in 2003 with a grant of 8.10 acres of land near Bhutanal Tanda, on the outskirts of the city.
However, due to technical reasons — mainly the unavailability of a competent agency to take up the project even after inviting tenders for six times — the project could not start.
“We have now overcome all the obstacles, the tender has been allocated and Rs. 7.5 crore has been earmarked in the budget for the project,” Mr. Jain said.
The Minister said this 333-metre track would help the athletes practise and improve their performance in national and international events.
Cyclists happy
Expressing elation over the execution of the long-standing project, Raju Biradar, president of District Cycling Association, said the velodrome would not only help improve performance, but would help avoid the fatal accidents cyclists sometimes encounter during practise on highways. “Already three cyclists have lost their lives while practising on the highway,” he said.
He said that so far the district had hosted three national-level road race cycling championships, but after the completion of the velodrome, track events could be held. “We already have at least a dozen national-level cyclists, and the project would encourage more youths to take up cycling as profession,” Mr. Biradar said.
District in-charge Minister M.B. Patil, who was also present, instructed the sports officials to ensure quality in the work.
