After taking my son to footie training this morning I made a wonderful discovery. The Herne Hill Velodrome was once a host to the Olympics it is reputed to be one of the best cycling tracks in the UK & it is the last remaining finals venue from the 1948 Olympic Games that is still in active use.
I was informed by those in the know at the track that it would have a very important role to play in the 2012 Games, not as a competition or training venue, but as a vital grass-roots facility to develop the riders that will take part in 2012.
I was also had a long conversation with a newly converted cyclist who took me through some of the new found trends that have seen the interest in the historic venue grow over the past couple of year’s. It appears that the growth of what is known as ‘deconstructed cycling’, where road couriering meets track racing with paired down lightweight cycles with no brakes and a fixed wheel system has seen Saturday mornings at the Velodrome host up to 300 visitors, wishing to try the track.
Herne Hill of course also plays host to top quality racing, but equally important is its role as a track where children can begin their cycling careers.
It was designed in such a way that everyone, from novice to Olympic Champion, can ride it. Bradley Wiggins started at Herne Hill, and now we have secured its future, we can carry on the search in London for the Olympic Champions of 2012 and beyond. It is a site to behold and its beautifully run down environment really manage's to transport your imagination back in time. I registered for the 1 hour training session for next Saturday morning at 9am, £4 with the use of a club bike…
Just visiting the hidden gem was a wonderful experience in itself but £4 to have a ride is irresistible.
