New velodrome 'can host world's best cycling events'
Minor problems remain, but HKCA are delighted with Tseung Kwan O site
Problems remain to be fixed, but the soon-to-open Tseung Kwan O velodrome means the city will be able to stage the world's biggest track competitions, says the Hong Kong Cycling Association.
The HK$600 million venue will receive its first test at the 2014 Hong Kong International Track Cup from January 10-12.
A UCI (International Cycling Union) class one event, 170 riders from Australia, Ireland, China, South Korea, Japan, Uzbekistan, India, Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan will participate.
"This is a good opportunity to test both the hardware and software of the new venue, and we hope in a couple of years' time, we gain sufficient experience to stage top-class events such as the Asian Championships and the World Cup," said HKCA chairman Leung Hung-tak.
Countries were very excited about Hong Kong's new venue during the team managers' meeting ... in Manchester. They all want to see Hong Kong stage a World Cup leg
"Financial backing is one of the major concerns, but with the fast-improving results of Hong Kong track riders, I am sure more commercial sponsors will be attracted in future." It is estimated a World Cup event would cost HK$10 million to host; January's competition is budgeted at HK$2.3 million.
Leung said he was hugely impressed by the new facility, and it had the potential to become a record-breaking venue.