Champion cyclist Geoff Stoker campaigns to save velodrome he loves

CANTERBURY — Bankstown Council is considering demolishing the former Olympic venue Dunc Gray Velodrome. World champion cyclist Geoff Stoker has labelled the news as “devastating”.

Former world champion cyclist Geoff Stoker and Cycling NSW chief executive Phil Ayres at the under-threat Dunc Gray Velodrome in Bass Hill. Picture: Phillip Rogers

• Fears Dunc Gray Velodrome could become another white elephant
• Bass Hill biggest bulge battler

CHAMPION cyclist Geoff Stoker has clinched 25 world titles in track racing but it is the win he claimed at Dunc Gray Velodrome in 2009 that he treasures most.

“One of my most favourite ones was here,” Stoker said.

“You race everywhere around the world so to come home and race here and win was memorable.”

Stoker — like many track cyclists who regularly use the Bass Hill velodrome — was floored by news last week that the Olympic venue could be demolished.

Geoff Stoker won a world title in 2009 on home turf in Dunc Gray Velodrome. Picture: Phillip Rogers

“It’s not just for me, I’d be absolutely devastated, but it’s all the youngsters coming through just starting their careers,” he said.

“To say ‘Hey you know what? In every other capital city in Australia there’s an indoor velodrome, and in Sydney the biggest city in Australia, there’s no track for the guys to train on’.”

Last week Canterbury-Bankstown Council decided to conduct a study into five options for The Crest sporting ground and velodrome, with the most viable option pointing towards its closure and demolition.

The facility reportedly needs $4 million in repairs — and the council’s efforts to negotiate with the NSW Government over the past five years to secure funding have fallen on deaf ears.

“Everyone’s disappointed, particularly when the Government has committed funds for Olympic facilities such as the Archery Centre, Sydney International Regatta and Sydney International Equestrian Centre,” a council spokesman said.

Inside Dunc Gray Velodrome. Picture: Phillip Rogers

But Cycling NSW chief executive Phil Ayres said he was disappointed with a lack of communication.

“We still haven’t been able to engage with council,” Mr Ayres said.

“I think it’s disrespectful they haven’t reached out.

“We’re pragmatic enough to know that having it solely for our own use isn’t financially viable, but we need to retain the cycling infrastructure.”

DYLAN VOLLER DENIED FOOD AS ‘PUNISHMENT’

In response, the council spokesman said it had been very transparent.

“It is, and has always been, our intention to consult with the community and major stakeholders like Cycling NSW,” he said.

Mr Ayres said he was open to one of the council’s options — making the site multipurpose.

Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said: “The NSW Government assesses applications for funding for sporting facilities on merit to maximise benefit to the tax payer and outcomes for the community.”