Cycle champs tell RCoW council to protect sport

Source: Wangaratta Chronicle - 10.09.08

WANGARATTA’S long and proud association with first-class cycling could be lost under a $2.4 million redevelopment of the Wangaratta Showgrounds.

That’s the fear of 115 members of the Wangaratta Cycling Club who are preparing to fight council plans to strip the city of its long-established cycling track.

It comes after the Rural City of Wangaratta revealed plans to turn the showgrounds into an "elite" sporting facility, aimed at attracting Ovens and Murray Football League grand finals and AFL pre-season matches.

The redevelopment would see lighting upgraded, a new multi-purpose sporting complex, expanded viewing embankment and removal of the cycling track.

While not objecting to the rationale behind the project, cyclists are concerned there are currently no plans in place to replace the bike facility.

Club committee member, Dean McDonald, said cyclists would be happy to move if there was a suitable venue built.

"We’re not against moving the track," he said.

"It’s been here for a long time now and it’s probably got six or seven years left before it needs a major redevelopment.

"We just want to be consulted and to make sure we get a fair say in what happens.

"If they pull this track up, let’s have another one in place so we can go straight to it."

Without a cycling track, club members say Wangaratta was at risk of wiping out a continually growing sport in the region.

The club currently boasts 115 members, including 51 juniors, and attracts competitors from Albury, Shepparton and the Alpine region for its races.

Club president, Marty Tabin, said cyclists travel to Wangaratta because it has the biggest membership base and best races in the region.

"Five years ago we only had 50 members and it’s been going up by about 20 per cent each year," he said.

"And there would be 150 to 200 people who come to watch on a usual night."

Wangaratta has also produced world-class cyclists such as Glenn Clarke and Damian McDonald.

A former Olympic and Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Wangaratta local, Dean Woods, said the city’s cycling industry should not be sacrificed for the sake of football.

"Cycling is on the international arena - it’s in the Olympic Games and football’s not," he said.

"Certainly it’s substantial for country areas and footy is a huge business, but still keep it in context.

"It’s only a national game and it’s not an international event."

Council’s hopes of establishing a premier regional sporting precinct took a major step forward last week after winning the endorsement of Sports and Recreation Minister, James Merlino.

Council officers have also met with State Government department officials to discuss possible funding options for the project.