Cycling’s new HQ

$1.4m pavilion opens

WOMEN’S and girls’ cycling is riding high in Geelong, with a new $1.4 million purposebuilt cycling pavilion set to open in Belmont today.

The two-storey pavilion at the Criterium Circuit will include female change rooms, toilets and showers, and is expected to spark a surge in interest from female riders.

Geelong state Labor MP Christine Couzens will officially open the Barwon Heads Rd pavilion after the State Government chipped in a $466,000 grant to help with its construction.

“Geelong is a powerhouse in Australian cycling and this new pavilion gives local clubs the facilities they need to attract new members and reach their peak,” Ms Couzens said.

“With the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race back in town this weekend, it’s the perfect time to open this pavilion and celebrate cycling.”

The City of Greater Geelong funded much of the project, contributing $934,000.

The pavilion will be able to accommodate six cycling clubs, with the Geelong Cycling Club relocating there from its outdated Geelong West headquarters, where it has been based since 1911.

As construction was beginning on the project last year, club president John Burtt said he expected the facility to help drive a surge in the sport in Geelong, especially among women.

“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.

Geelong Cycling Club is one of 55 cycling clubs affiliated with Cycling Victori, and is the only club in the region to offer road and track racing in all age categories.

The club will continue to use its old asphalt velodrome for some training.