Weather co-operates for first outing of season on velodrome

Nine-year-old Quin Vivian (fourth from right) had his first ride at the Cooks Gardens velodrome on Sunday.

With the summer track cycling season due to get rolling in a few weeks, newbies and old hands took to the Cooks Gardens velodrome yesterday.

The velodrome open day and training afternoon included a session for newcomers who wanted to learn to ride on the track and try out a track bike.

Nine-year-old Quin Vivian was delighted with his first ride at the velodrome and the chance to join in with other cyclists, and was keen to return.

Later in the day the more experienced riders had a training session on the international-standard wooden track.

Former national cycling coach Ron Cheatley, one of the organisers of the open day, said there was a busy season ahead at the velodrome.

"This open day was to try to recruit new young riders and give them a go on the track," Mr Cheatley said.

"They get used to it pretty quick. Our season starts in mid-November and we'll have three or four carnivals and the West Coast North Island champs here in Whanganui."

Riders from around the region will also be preparing in Whanganui for the Oceania Track Championships to be held at Avantidrome in Cambridge from November 20-23.

However, with the Whanganui velodrome currently without a roof, events and training schedules are weather-dependent.