The 1.5km closed road cycling circuit at the recently opened Harvey Hadden Sports Village in Nottingham has been welcome by British Cycling.
The new circuit has been part funded by British Cycling along with a contribution from Sport England’s Iconic Facilities fund. It will provide a focal point for cycling development within the city and across the region, offering a high-quality competition and event programme along with opportunities for all levels of cyclists, from beginners to elite riders.
A range of development courses will be run on the circuit throughout the year to teach vital road skills and help cyclists improve their technique – including specific sessions for women and girls.
Joanne Lifford, a participant of a Women and Girls Development Session recently held on the circuit, said: “It’s a great facility to have so close and getting the chance to ride it with a group of women was fantastic, It can only help the sport in the region, and hopefully more sessions like these in an accessible place will create the momentum that women’s cycle sport needs to grow.”
British Cycling has also been working closely with Nottingham City Council and local cycling clubs with plans in motion to set up a Harvey Hadden Circuit Race League starting in summer 2016.
Clubs who have tested the circuit have responded positively to the new facility: “Harvey Hadden is a great new circuit, with a smooth and grippy tarmac surface and a great layout. We’ve had a couple of chances to try it out as a club, and everyone is excited about using it for training and racing in future.” Neil Buddo, Beeston Cycling Club
“The new Harvey Hadden Circuit is fantastic the circuit has a great design and with a youth and adult section to our club we are really looking forward to both groups having regular club sessions on the circuit.”
Paul Harwood, Nottingham Clarion Cycling Club
British Cycling’s Coaching, Education and Development director, John Mills, said: “We’re delighted that this new circuit is shortly going to be up and running. It is an excellent facility that once again highlights British Cycling’s commitment to creating new opportunities for people to cycle.
“Over two million people now ride their bikes at least once a week in this country. Having facilities like this available to the public ensures that new people are introduced to the sport all the time and hopefully we’ll see that number continue to rise.”
Nottingham City Council’s portfolio holder for leisure and culture Cllr Dave Trimble, said: “The new cycling circuit at Harvey Hadden is a fantastic community facility and strengthens our ambition to transform Nottingham into a true cycle city. We’re pleased to have so many clubs on board and hope that it will inspire the next generation of cyclists, whether it’s for fun, fitness or competition.”
Nottingham’s position as a leading cycle city is now firmly established. Tens of thousands of spectators enjoyed the fast-paced city centre Milk Race in May with some of the world’s best cyclists, and a programme of exciting events and activities has carried on throughout the summer, including the Tour of Britain on 11 September. Added to this, the council’s £6.1m investment in Nottingham’s cycle infrastructure is encouraging and enabling more people to cycle as part of their daily lives.
British Cycling’s Go-Ride Coaches will be on the cycling circuit to provide free junior taster sessions (ages 7-16 years) on Saturday 12 September as part of the official opening celebrations.
For the full programme go online: www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/harveyhadden
Cyclists can access the circuit seven days a week for as little as £1. Bookings are taken in person at Harvey Hadden Sports Village Reception or via the Sport & Leisure Customer Contact Centre 0115 876 1600.