Last Saturday morning a contingent of CCH riders passed their Herne Hill track Induction and with it clearance to join any track racing or training sessions down at the HH Velodrome. Swelling the ranks by stealth to an amazing 17 members present were those CCH riders arriving after the track induction session for the training period - others wouldn't know it because of the absence of our club kit - April 6th is the scheduled delivery date, a new strip and the time beginning when we become a visible identity representing for Hackney.
During the day GB's former double world pursuit champion Tony Doyle MBE arrived to show Olympic minister and local MP Tessa Jowell around the venue. HH track is actually under threat with closure this August because the lease runs out then and there is a dispute between the land owners Dulwich Estates and Southwark council. I spoke to Tessa pointing out how important the track is to the area's people and also to those traveling from further away like our club members. I also mentioned that cycling is a fast growing sport and that London will clearly need more than one Velodrome in three years time. As I passed on these sentiments on behalf of CCH well over 100 riders (young and old) were circling the track providing animated evidence of the need for the facility to stay open.
Tessa said she would do every thing she could to secure the track's future and to get the site refurbished well enough to do justice for the sole remaining venue from London's last Olympics in 1948.
A picture above is of most of the CCH group track centre standing along side Tony Doyle who is fourth from the left.
Herne Hill velodrome
Saturdays from March onwards
Induction sessions begin at 9am (arrive before)
Training sessions & practice races are from 10.30am - 12.00
An historic annual event worth checking out: The traditional Easter Good Friday International Track Meeting held at Herne Hill Velodrome will be held on April 10, 2009
Cheers
k
