London Awarded 2016 Track World Champs
Posted Saturday 28th September 2013 –
London has been awarded the 2016 Track World Championships which will be staged at the Lee Valley velodrome in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park between 24 and 28 February. The Olympic velodrome is currently undergoing transformation in preparation for its handover from the London Legacy Development Corporation to Lee Valley Regional Park Authority who will be responsible for the long term management of the facility. It’s selection for the 2016 World Champs will mean Britain’s track cyclists the chance to compete at a venue where they enjoyed amazing success winning nine Olympic medals in 2012 as well add final preparations before heading to the 2016 Olympic games in Rio.
The decision forms part of UK Sport’s Gold Event Series which aims to bring 70 world class events to this country by 2019, the Track Championships will also be a great opportunity for the public to show their support for Great Britain’s cyclists in the final stage of the Olympic qualification process for Rio 2016.
The process to bring the UCI Track Cycling World Championships to London began in 2012 in the run up to the Olympic Games and has involved a partnership between British Cycling, UK Sport, London Legacy Development Corporation, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, London & Partners and the Mayor of London.
Speaking at the time of the announcement, British Cycling’s Chief Executive, Ian Drake, said “Winning the bid to host the final Track Cycling World Championships of the next Olympic cycle is important strategically for us, it’s good for the current generation of athletes, but it’s also an important tool for inspiring the next generation who will follow in their footsteps.
“The events we’ve delivered over the last decade in the UK have rightly been regarded as world class but the delivery of a World Championships in this iconic venue will be the biggest task we’ve taken on to date.”
Minister for Sport, Hugh Robertson, said “This is another great coup for British sport and a real legacy from London 2012. The capital’s velodrome is a stunning, world-leading venue and I am sure the 2016 Track World Championships will have capacity crowds supporting our best cyclists ahead of the Rio Games. UK Sport’s Gold Event Series is helping to cement this country’s reputation as a leading destination to host the biggest events in world sport.”
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said “This is absolutely fantastic news for London, marking the arrival of yet another thrilling world class sporting fixture to our city. These prestigious championships will be centred around our stunning Olympic velodrome, a remarkable venue that saw such awe-inspiring performances from British cyclists last summer. Interest in cycling is rocketing in this city and I’ve no doubt London’s 2016 Track World Championships help will propel this even further.”
The World Championships in 2016 will take place in the velodrome at Lee Valley Velo Park, for the people of London.
