December 07, 2012 (Ottawa, ON) – Canadian bike racing fans are about to see the sport take off in a big way, and the Ottawa cycling community hopes to be part of that.

The Milton Pan American Games velodrome, due to open in 2014, will be the first world-class indoor track in Canada in 25 years. This facility will be the top of the high performance pyramid and is expected to help Canadian cyclists vie to be among the best in the world. But it can only succeed if the base of that pyramid is as broad as possible.

That means Canada needs track cycling centres of excellence across the country. The Ottawa region has one of the biggest communities of active cyclists in Canada, and that’s why the members of the Ottawa Velodrome Project (OVP) are excited to announce the start of a project aimed at creating an indoor cycling velodrome in or near Ottawa, Ont., that will appeal to grassroots cyclists including racers, recreational riders and youths.

In its first phase, this project will determine the feasibility of establishing and operating a velodrome in the region. The second phase will be the construction and operation of the velodrome.

OVP is being led by members of Bike Race Ottawa and the Ottawa Bicycle Club, and is supported by highly experienced organizers of cycling events from clubs throughout the National Capital region. The members of OVP will be examining potential locations and suitable track designs to meet the objectives of a functional and sustainable facility. The members bring with them the skills of project management, financial management, fundraising, media knowledge, event organization and construction knowledge to these tasks.

The OVP will be a non-profit corporation and has applied for charitable status with the Sport Is Development Fund through the Ontario Cycling Association. This will enable donors to receive charitable contribution receipts.

The construction of an indoor track will require significant capital and operational funding. We are considering a number of fundraising activities and we intend to make another announcement shortly.

The project website is www.ottawavelodrome.ca, and inquiries can be directed to info@bikeraceottawa.com

The velodrome will be a tremendous asset for the Ottawa community and the members of the OVP will work hard to get this in place with the support of all members of the cycling community. The first undertaking of the group is a fact-finding visit to the Forest City Velodrome in London, Ont., on Dec. 7, 8 and 9.