HK$600m velodrome offers HK chance to host World Cup event

Hong Kong aims to host a World Cup Classic at the planned HK$600 million, state-of-the-art velodrome in Tseung Kwan O.

The city's first international-standard velodrome should open in 2013, Hong Kong Cycling Association deputy general secretary Wong Yiu-wah said.

Interest in the sport was boosted by the success of Hong Kong's young guns at the weekend. Kwok Ho-ting and Choi Ki-ho won the gold medal in the men's Madison at the World Cup Classic in Beijing, while Lee Wai-sze clinched bronze in the women's keirin. Kwok also won silver in the points race.

'The Tseung Kwan O venue may not be the best in the world but will certainly be one of the best in the region,' Wong said. 'Our plans will be to bid for top international events when this new venue is ready, not only the World Cup but also the world championships.'

The Legislative Council last week approved a budget of HK$1.2 billion for the construction of a Town Park in Tseung Kwan O that would include the velodrome, located next to the Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground, the main athletics venue for last month's East Asian Games.

Subject to the formality of final approval by Legco's finance committee in six weeks, construction could start as early as March.

The velodrome would be equipped with a 250-metre wooden track and facilities meeting international standards, including a grandstand with 2,000 permanent seats and 1,000 portable seats. Other features will include fitness and weight-lifting rooms.