Brescia to Build 2003 Velodrome with €3.8M Investment Boost
The velodrome is of such importance that the Province is doubling its efforts. The construction sites for the provincial cycling stadium, which has been tentatively planned for Montichiari, will commence in the early months of 2002. It is certain, however, that by the end of 2003, the highly awaited sports facility for the entire Brescia cycling sector will be operational.
Compared to the initial announced funding of 2 billion lira several months ago, the Province now reports that its commitment has increased to 3 billion 800 million lira to include several improvements. These substantive enhancements elevate the facility to an absolute level of excellence.
Interventions and Technical Features
These new interventions will involve covered stands, lighting, and the entire service area, with clear distinctions between the sections for athletes and those for spectators and the press. The planned track will be 250 meters long, homologated for international competitions, and the velodrome will be constructed with the necessary provisions to allow future full covering of the structure.
A special ceremony for signing the memorandum of understanding was held in the council hall of the Broletto last March. The initial sum of 2 billion lira required for its construction was provided by the Province, while the Municipality of Montichiari made available a developable area near the current Palageorge, in via Falcone, an area where the stadium for the Serie C2 team will be built.
Reactions and Opinions from Authorities
“We have been waiting for this moment for at least twenty years,” said Ugo Ranzetti, provincial president of Coni. “Many youth teams that currently travel outside the province to train will be able to plan closer to home in the future.”
“We only hope that it soon becomes a covered velodrome to be used all year round.” The track will have a perimeter of 250 meters, “the exact size needed for the Olympics or World Championships,” emphasized Giancarlo Ceruti, newly elected president of the Federazione Italiana Ciclismo. “It is important that an institution like the Province invests in these sports facilities — something that rarely happens.”
Gianni Pozzani, provincial president of the Federazione ciclistica, after recounting the historical process that led to this event, described it as “an important step toward having more champions in Brescia.” It represents a significant management effort by the Municipality of Montichiari, which, through its mayor Gianantonio Rosa and sports councilor Gianmaria Pastorelli, had expressed the hope that all cycling clubs would be involved in the project. The management of the sports facility can be entrusted to public and private entities, following proper legal procedures.”
