Montichiari Velodrome Construction Advances in Brescia Cycling Development
The official first step towards the construction of the Montichiari velodrome has been taken: the Provincial Council signed yesterday the development agreement for building a 250-meter concrete track adjacent to Palageorge. The project, funded by the Broletto with 2 billion lire, also includes auxiliary infrastructures. The memorandum of understanding refers to the approval of the budget for the 2000–2002 triennium, which prioritized the construction of an outdoor cycling velodrome. The priority arose from the need to complete the province’s sports facilities, which currently lack a cycling track.
Project Initiatives and Timeline
At the national and association levels, the track represents a vital component for the cycling sports organizations in the area. The velodrome is expected to be completed by July 31, 2003. In September of the same year, the facility will host a cycling track meeting, potentially featuring prominent Italian and international track cycling stars. Brescian cycling enthusiasts will thus have to wait an additional three years before they can train or compete at their doorstep.
Until 2003, enthusiasts will still need to rely on tracks in Crema, Busto Garolfo in the Varese province, Dalmine in the Bergamo province, and Pescantina in the Verona province. The Montichiari Municipality had previously requested the cycling federation to evaluate the feasibility of the project, initially planned outside the football field that will replace the old «Menti» stadium. Instead, only the 250-meter concrete «little circle» and accessory areas will now be built.
Details of the Structure
Most likely, the interior of the track will include a field to allow other sports such as soccer, volleyball, tennis, or basketball. However, the velodrome will serve as the core of the complex, because the football field will be constructed elsewhere if needed. The combination of stadium and velodrome, once viable, has been set aside following Montichiari’s historic promotion to Serie C2.
By June 30, 2002, the project design must be finalized and the works tendered. The «turnkey» delivery of the facility is scheduled for no later than July 31, 2003. Procedures for obtaining certification from Fci (Italian Cycling Federation) and the occupancy permit should be completed by the end of 2003.
Upcoming Competitions and Promotions
The velodrome will be able to host races for all categories, and hosting the Italian national championships in 2004 is considered a viable possibility. Necessary steps have already been taken to secure the organization of the Italian absolute championships. «At the beginning of my term, I promised to build a long-awaited facility»—stresses Provincial Sports Councillor Alessandro Sala—. «Now I can say I kept my promise. The process leading to the construction of the cycling track should take about three years, and I am more pleased for cycling enthusiasts than for myself.»
The facility will be available to all Brescia-based clubs and will be called Provincia di Brescia. I do not exclude the velodrome hosting the Italian national championships in 2004, as we have already discussed this possibility with some representatives of the federciclo.»