CYCLE CITY PUSH

GEELONG’S cyclists will move for the first time in more than a century to a new $1.4 million base in Belmont.

Construction has begun on a two-storey regional headquarters at the Geelong Criterium Circuit site in Barwon Heads Rd.

The project, which is scheduled for completion in January, will allow the Geelong Cycling Club to transfer from the Geelong West oval, where it has been since 1911.

Gelong Cycling Club president John Burtt said the facility would drive a surge in the sport, both competitively and recreationally.

“We believe the provision of toilets, showers and new changing rooms within the pavilion will also signal a dramatic rise of female participation,” he said.

Mr Burtt said the club was committed to developing its offering.

“When it’s completed the new pavilion will be the perfect showcase for the club’s extensive collection of memorabilia,” he said.

“I think the exhibition of this collection will become a major attraction in itself.

“Further down the track the club will be looking to develop a new velodrome — something the Geelong region sorely needs.”

The $1.4 million project has been backed by the City of Greater Geelong ($934,000) and the State Government ($466,000).