Herne Hill Velodrome in Burbage Road is not just a local gem and a mecca for cyclists across London and the South East, but a venue with global recognition and a historic sporting legacy;These different elements are brought together every Easter at an international track cycling event that attracts Olympic and World Champions and top track riders from across the UK and Europe. All the greats have ridden at the traditional Good Friday Meeting, spanning a 106 year period, including the great Reg Harris,Tony Doyle (double World Champion and Britain’s most prestigious rider on the European ‘6 day’ track circuit), East German sprinting giant Michael Hubner, and British wearer of the Tour de France Yellow Jersey, Sean Yates.
Despite this legendary status the Herne Hill Velodrome is currently under threat from a dispute between the national organising body, British Cycling, and the Dulwich Estate that owns, and is looking to redevelop, the land. The venue has been expertly managed over the past four years by the local cycling club, Velo Club Londres (VCL) while British Cycling pushes for a 99-year lease to secure its future. In recent months cycling heroes Sir Chris Hoy and Tony Doyle (MBE) have put their weight behind a campaign to save the track that is now being spearheaded by the Olympics Minister, Tessa Jowell. Jowell has stated “I am absolutely determined to bring the track back to its former glory”. Sir Chris adds that “It’s important from grass roots level up to elite to keep it going and upgrade the facility”.
While the historic case for saving the venue is galvanising support at the highest level, the venue is currently enjoying a golden period. Now open to the public six days a week the track is attracting record numbers of cyclists, with expert guidance from a group of highly skilled coaches. Beyond offering elite-level coaching and training facilities, the venue provides cycle training to a wide cross-section of the local community, including open sessions for families from 4.30pm on a Friday evening and introductory track training sessions on a Monday evening. The centre-piece Saturday morning training sessions currently attract around 200 riders between 9am and 1.30pm. The Herne Hill Youth Cycling Club is also located at the Velodrome, offering “off road mountain biking (MTB) adventures for young dudes aged 6 – 16” on a Saturday morning (from 10am). Bikes are available for hire at highly subsidised rates.
Visit it, ride it, support it - as a community sporting facility they don’t come much better!
Velo Club Londres: vcl.org.uk
Herne Hill Youth Cycling Club: hhycc.com
Good Friday Meeting bristowevents.co.uk
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