British Cycling move to aid GB cycling team

Prompted by its unprecedented growth, British Cycling is temporarily moving some of its operations out of the Manchester Velodrome to a nearby business park – so the GB cycling team can concentrate on vital preparations for London 2012.

All departments apart from the GB Cycling Team will relocate to a temporary office for 18 months, enabling GB Cycling Team coaches, athletes and support staff to optimise the space within at the Manchester Velodrome and create a world-class environment for elite performance as they prepare for the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The entire British Cycling operation will be reunited in 2011 when the National Indoor BMX Centre is completed next to the Manchester Velodrome, with new purpose built British Cycling offices linking the two venues.

This improved National Cycling Centre will benefit from new public spaces and outdoor freestyle cycling areas to form one of the UK’s first Veloparks.

When complete, the National Indoor BMX Centre, the world’s first purpose built indoor BMX track, will help further integrate the GB Cycling Team and improve preparations for London 2012.

Capable of seating 2,000 spectators, it will help bring major cycling events to the city and open its doors to local schools, clubs and community. Subject to funding and planning approval, work on the scheme will start at the beginning of 2010.

To help the transition, the following British Cycling departments will be temporarily relocated: Cycle Sport and Membership; Coaching, Education and Development; Recreation and Partnerships; Marketing and Communications; Corporate Services and Facilities.

Ian Drake, CEO at British Cycling said: “This temporary move will enable the GB Cycling Team to expand within the Manchester Velodrome and take full advantage of this superb training facility, aiding athlete preparations for London 2012.

“Today we employ over 200 staff and the organisation is continuing to grow as we expand into new areas such as recreational cycling. The move will enable us to meet the needs of our staff and ensure that we can operate effectively until our new offices are built at the heart of the National Cycling Centre.

“The National Indoor BMX Centre is yet another ambitious project that will help assert Britain as the number one cycling nation in the world. Its development will be possible thanks to the exceptional support of our partners – Manchester City Council, New East Manchester and Sport England – who share our vision to turn Britain into a cycling nation.”

There will be no change of address for British Cycling, as all post will be re-directed to the nearby office and all phone numbers will remain the same. Some disruption to e-mail and phone lines may occur on Friday 16 October. For full contact details visit www.britishcycling.org.uk.