John Cocking: A "virtual velodrome" is the way to go

John (Bertie) Cocking

I have a lifelong love of cycling and have followed the velodrome debate with some interest.

I have raced on tracks in the UK and New Zealand and would love to see a track here.

However having been a NCC councillor (2004-2013) I can see the obvious problem - we can't afford it! I believe that however "dressed up" there is not enough local demand to make it pay its way. The presence of the Cambridge velodrome curtails much of the "outside the area" demand.

If the majority of Napier ratepayers want a velodrome - at a cost - then so be it. I would however like to propose an alternative.

I raced on the track in England more than 35 years ago. During the winter this was impossible (our track was outdoors and open air) so we devised an indoor system.

Four static bikes were placed in a line and fixed to rollers. Similar to the training bikes you find in gyms. From each bike a flexible drive powered a hand on a large "clock" standing at the rear of the bikes. Each bike powered a different coloured hand, indicating the progress of that rider. We "raced" against other riders or individually against the clock.

The clock could be calibrated so the one circuit of the hand represented (say) 250m.
A more up to date version - in fact a "virtual velodrome" - could be constructed perhaps as a part of an expanded Pettigrew Green Arena.

The same principles apply - static bicycles driving a timing device. However with the benefit of computers and modern electronics this could be a very lifelike experience. A backdrop would project a velodrome.

Using the same technology as "Wii" the bikes would be able to be moved from side to side or turned by the rider so they could move up and down the track and pass or avoid other riders.

The screen would actually project images of the riders on the virtual velodrome. The riders themselves would see their progress on feedback screens in front of the bikes.

Other scenarios could be used such as road racing - even stages of the major tours. Imagine watching a group of local lads tackling some of the great alpine climbs!

I think this would be a cost effective way of giving the cycling fraternity a "velodrome" without the huge capital cost of building one. It would be an attraction for visitors. You can't fall off or get hurt so anyone could try. A great way to get an introduction to track cycling. Local riders could use it for training. Competitions could be held.

It wouldn't need a special building just some space in an existing facility. Perhaps even demountable so it could just be wheeled out when required.

I would suggest the cost of developing such a facility would be less than that spent on the business case for the proposal currently before council. Worth a look I think!!

In addition we could use the funds "liberated" to fund an indoor pool or more basketball courts (I'm 71 years old, 5'7" tall and a very ordinary swimmer so I don't suggest this to enhance my own training regime!!)

John Cocking is a former Napier City councillor.