***********************************************************
In response to media enquiries on enhancement works at the Hong Kong Velodrome, a spokesman for the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) gave the following remarks today (January 2):
The Hong Kong Velodrome has been built in accordance with the International Cycling Union (Union)'s standards for indoor cycling facilities. The cycling track has also been constructed in accordance with international standards set by the Union and was carefully installed by technical experts. The entire venue (including the timber cycling track) was inspected and accepted by government professional department upon completion, and has been verified by the Union on-site with relevant homologation obtained. The track has operated smoothly since it was officially opened in April 2014. Two international competitions were held successfully in October and November respectively at the venue. The Hong Kong Cycling Team (the Team) and international professional athletes have recognised that the track is built to international standards.
To strive for continuous improvement and to fulfil the Team's stringent needs in training, the LCSD has continued to gauge the opinions of the Team on the venue and the cycling track since the opening of the Velodrome, and decided to further enhance the relevant facilities having regard to the Team's on-site experience in the past months. To better prepare for the major events this year as well as to get prepared for the coming 2016 Olympic Games while ensuring that the summer programmes and major competitions will not be affected, the department commenced additional enhancement works on the cycling track surface from late November 2014. The works, at a cost of $4.2 million, is expected to be completed at the end of January this year after which the relevant facilities will be reopened for use.
Ends/Friday, January 2, 2015
Issued at HKT 22:24
NNNN
