April 5, 2005 — The Québéc Cycling Federation (FQSC) and National Center of Cycling of Quebec (CNCQ) supports the building of an indoor velodrome and sent an official request to Quebec’s Minister for Education, Leisure and Sport on March 31. In conjuction with the celebrations for the Town of Quebec’s 400th birthday, the National Center of Cycling of Quebec proposed the construction of a multisport centre that would include an indoor velodrome of international calibre.

This sporting complex would make it possible to hold competitions for basketball, tennis, volleyball or other types of sporting, cultural or commercial events. The complex and new velodrome would make it possible to bid on hosting important international cycling competitions such as the 2007 Junior Track Worlds, the 2008 Senior Track Worlds and World Track Cup events as well. On March 21, the president of the FQSC presented Mr. Jean-Marc Fournier, Quebec’s Minister for Education, Leisure and Sport, an official request for assistance and to determine if this project is viable.

Canada does not have a indoor velodrome that meets international specifications which can help to develop future champions. Australia, with a population of 19.9 million, has a least six indoor velodromes, and the Australian track program directed by Martin Barras (from Sainte-Foy, Quebec) produces impressive results. At the recent Olympic Games in Athens, Australia won five golds, two silvers, and two bronze medals out of 12 track events.

Athletes will welcome this project which has tremendous spin-offs for the Quebec region and can also play a strategic role in assisting Canada’s cyclists to obtain top results at the international level.

The FQSC is non-profit institution dedicated to the development and promotion of cycling. The FQSC is an organization affiliated with the UCI (International Cycling Union), the Canadian Cycling Association (CCA), Sport Quebec and is recognized as a public utility by the Quebec Government.

The National Cycling Center of Quebec (CNCQ) is a non-profit company, affiliated with the FQSC and the CCA and is dedicated to the development of cycling in all its forms in Quebec. It forms part of a network of six national cycling centers located in Victoria CB, Calgary AB, Hardwood Hills ON, Bromont QC, St. Augustin QC, and Dieppe NB.

For more information: François Trout, ftrout@oricom.ca, (418) 838-7800 extension 4305.

Here is the link to the press conference presentation: http://www.oricom.ca/ftrout/Conference_presse_Centre_Sportif.ppt

Here the link to the document of complete project: http://www.oricom.ca/ftrout/Projet_velodrome_couvert.pdf