Steveb
October 14-2006, 09:38 AM
COUNCILLORS are poised to endorse the creation of a multi-million-pound mountain-biking centre on the outskirts of Glasgow as the city steps up its bid to erect facilities in its attempt to stage the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The bid team, who have already moved significantly ahead of their rivals in Canada and Nigeria, have studied the increasing popularity of mountain biking across the world, and assessed the success of the UCI event, which has recently been held in Fort William, and have decided to lobby for a new circuit in Glasgow.
The decision has yet to be formally ratified and the council refused to comment on plans for Cathkin Braes yesterday beyond a spokeswoman saying: "A number of options are being explored (at Cathkin Braes)".
But, although there is another proposal to use the area as a site for wind turbines, The Herald understands that the Games bid officials have drafted plans which will generate substantial long-term revenue for the city.
Already, more than a year before the bidding process reaches its climax with a verdict on November 9, 2007, the Glasgow team has confirmed that Hampden Park will be used for track and field athletics, Tollcross for swimming, Kelvingrove for bowling, and that a new National Indoor Sports Centre at Dalmarnock will be the venue for, among other activities, badminton and judo.
Now, with the news that mountain biking – one of the fastest-growing sports in the 15-25 age bracket – is also likely to be graced with a brand new facility, the council is fulfilling its prior commitment to investing in a Games bid, which will bring long-term benefits to their community.
The city council will make its final decision on Cathkin Braes by the end of October.
The bid team, who have already moved significantly ahead of their rivals in Canada and Nigeria, have studied the increasing popularity of mountain biking across the world, and assessed the success of the UCI event, which has recently been held in Fort William, and have decided to lobby for a new circuit in Glasgow.
The decision has yet to be formally ratified and the council refused to comment on plans for Cathkin Braes yesterday beyond a spokeswoman saying: "A number of options are being explored (at Cathkin Braes)".
But, although there is another proposal to use the area as a site for wind turbines, The Herald understands that the Games bid officials have drafted plans which will generate substantial long-term revenue for the city.
Already, more than a year before the bidding process reaches its climax with a verdict on November 9, 2007, the Glasgow team has confirmed that Hampden Park will be used for track and field athletics, Tollcross for swimming, Kelvingrove for bowling, and that a new National Indoor Sports Centre at Dalmarnock will be the venue for, among other activities, badminton and judo.
Now, with the news that mountain biking – one of the fastest-growing sports in the 15-25 age bracket – is also likely to be graced with a brand new facility, the council is fulfilling its prior commitment to investing in a Games bid, which will bring long-term benefits to their community.
The city council will make its final decision on Cathkin Braes by the end of October.