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"Sir Chris Hoy in call to save Meadowbank velodrome"

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  1. chdot
    Admin

    "
    “I would like to see 
Meadowbank saved. From a personal point of view it means a lot to me but I think for the sport and for Edinburgh, it would be a shame to see a facility of Meadowbank’s stature and history [discontinue]. I think it would be fantastic to keep that going, to refurbish it and maybe pop a roof over it..

    “I really do hope that something is done, even if it’s not at Meadowbank but somewhere in Edinburgh.“It doesn’t have to be a massive multi-million pound facility like in Glasgow but somewhere you can ride indoors where kids can try the track and get involved in cycling.

    “It would be a shame to see Edinburgh lose that reputation as being one of the great track cycling cities.”

    "

    http://m.scotsman.com/edinburgh-evening-news/latest-news/sir-chris-hoy-in-call-to-save-meadowbank-velodrome-1-2516682

    Posted 11 years ago #

  2. chdot
    Admin

    It will certainly be interesting to see if CEC can come up with anything before Sunday when they award the Freedom of the City.

    I'm sure Chris is too polite to embarrass his hosts (too much) at this event.

    But after all these years (of medal winning success) it's about time CEC had a clear plan -

    A) refurbish original (with or without roof).

    B) new facility somewhere else (Jack Kane or not)

    C) admit that there is no future for track racing in Edinburgh

    Of course it's not just down to CEC to fund this. There was previously the possibility of SportScotland money. Is there any Olympics 'legacy' cash?? Ought to be some commercial sponsorship opportunities.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  3. crowriver
    Member

    Good for him. If they can save the velodrome that might be a fitting Chris Hoy legacy project.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  4. crowriver
    Member

    Maybe instead of literally watching their sponsorship money going up in smoke for fireworks every night during the festival, Edinburgh's (largely State owned) banks could dip into their promotion and sponsorship budgets to restore the velodrome?

    Posted 11 years ago #

  5. PS
    Member

    I think it was Virgin Money who sponsored the festival fireworks this year. However, maybe RBS can bin its "brand ambassadors" (Jackie Stewart?) to free up some cash.

    Anyone know how much a decent indoor velodrome would cost to build and (just as importantly) run?

    Posted 11 years ago #

  6. crowriver
    Member

    RBS has been the main sponsor of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo since 2003 and will continue to sponsor under the current contract until 2013.

    From: http://www.rbs.com/about/sponsorship/edinburgh-sponsorships.html

    Fireworks every night during the festival, no? I certainly heard them.

    However, there is hope:

    http://www.rbs.com/news/2012/03/our-changing-approach-to-sponsorship.html

    Posted 11 years ago #

  7. crowriver
    Member

    I suppose the other 'obvious' potential sponsors would be Sky...

    Posted 11 years ago #

  8. chdot
    Admin

    "
    Anyone know how much a decent indoor velodrome would cost to build and (just as importantly) run?
    "

    Meadowbank replacement last costed at £6m - CEC + SportScotland (was) able to find 1/2. Not much to find (compared with cost of Olympics!)

    'Track in a shed' shouldn't cost too much to run. Presumably there would be groups willing to pay - Meadowbank velodrome currently £50ph. PLUS greater chance for schools, and public generally, to use without risk of being rained off.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  9. chdot
    Admin

    A design has been produced by Glasgow velodrome designer Ralph Schuerman.

    Here he (and Chris Hoy's dad David) talk about velodromes (esp the Sir Chris Hoy one).

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/scotland/18287088

    Posted 11 years ago #

  10. chdot
    Admin

    Final evening of 2012 Meadowbank Track League tomorrow 7:15 - 9:00

    Watch from centre of track (through the tunnel).

    http://www.estpa.org.uk/newweb/?page_id=21

    Posted 11 years ago #

  11. Wilmington's Cow
    Member

    Ooh! Anyone fancy a wee trip along?

    Posted 11 years ago #

  12. Instography
    Member

    I think I do. Will check with a bleary-eyed other half in the morning.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  13. Wilmington's Cow
    Member

    Will need to clear it, but should be fine. Especially given its five minutes from the house!

    Posted 11 years ago #

  14. Instography
    Member

    I just need to confirm that Ms will not be kayaking as she normally does on a Tuesday.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  15. Uberuce
    Member

    There.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  16. PS
    Member

    I'd be up for that, I think.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  17. Wilmington's Cow
    Member

    Right, I'm there. Back of 7ish I think. Riding (naturally) I presume there's somewhere to lock the bike - entry fee?

    Posted 11 years ago #

  18. Uberuce
    Member

    Am I missing something, or was the last date a week ago? -edit- Ah yes, I see the dates now. Ignore me...

    Posted 11 years ago #

  19. chdot
    Admin

    "Am I missing something, or was the last date a week ago?"

    You perhaps found the bit of their web site that said last week was the last event.

    This is either a mistake or reflects the fact that the points competition finished last week.

    There will be people zooming round the track tonight - though perhaps not until 9:00.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  20. Wilmington's Cow
    Member

    Meet up in car park at 7.15? (I'm likely going to be a little late at work, so need the time to get home and get fed first!).

    Posted 11 years ago #

  21. chdot
    Admin

    "Meet up in car park at 7.15?"

    Not like you to be too shy to go in by yourself!...

    Posted 11 years ago #

  22. Wilmington's Cow
    Member

    Never been before, don't want to get lost :P

    It would be like the rooftop scene in the Italian Job (incidentally, I've driven a Mini around the Lingotto track) with me popping out onto the track and being chased by a load of Italian policeman on fixies...

    (really must one day do the Edinburgh recreation of the Italian Job by bike that I've had in my head for ages - just need to script it and source identical red, white and blue bikes...)

    Posted 11 years ago #

  23. Uberuce
    Member

    Yarp, 1915 in the car park.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  24. wingpig
    Member

    I'll try and turn up briefly. Shall mention it to house-guest-parents to see if they'd be interested in popping along to compare the experience to their recent day at the Olympic velodrome.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  25. steveo
    Member

    just need to script it and source identical red, white and blue bikes...

    You could borrow my stable, I've just realised my bikes are red (Giant), white (Genesis) and blue (Fisher). Though obviously quite different...

    Posted 11 years ago #

  26. chdot
    Admin

    "Never been before, don't want to get lost"

    That's why I put photo of tunnel/steps above.

    Not 'obvious' that that is the (only) way in.

    Through main stadium car park and along long drive to portacabins.

    Most people take bikes inside.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  27. Uberuce
    Member

    All fun and games with the weather at the minute.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  28. Wilmington's Cow
    Member

    "Through main stadium car park and along long drive to portacabins.

    Most people take bikes inside"

    Ah, nice and informal then. Just turn up and take photies then. Will still hang aboot the car park for anyone coming along (looking like a possible nice wee turnout).

    Yes, weather could be interesting. Presume nowt happens if properly wet.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  29. Snowy
    Member

    Looks fun but sadly I've got a school event on. Enjoy.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  30. wingpig
    Member

    Is this still on, given the earlier extremely slight rain?

    Posted 11 years ago #

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