Forest City Velodrome closes doors after 15 years
The first indoor track in Canada is only one of four in Canada
The Forest City Velodrome in London, Ont. has closed. According to the FCV board of directors, the owner of the building where the velodrome was housed told them by email on June 19 they would be passing on a new lease. The owner is said they are pursuing alternate plans for our building.
The first indoor velodrome in Canada
“On behalf of the region’s cycling community, we are heartbroken that it has come to this,” Craig Linton, FCV president said. “Forest City Velodrome was the first indoor velodrome in Canada and is now one of only four indoor velodromes in the country. Many young riders started cycling here and have gone on to race all over the world. Volunteers and coaches have provided the members of the Southwestern Ontario cycling community with a safe, warm place to come together, train and be active all winter.”
Thief steals copper wires from Forest City Velodrome, leaving facility without power
For over 15 years, FCV has been a training facility for both casual and elite cyclists.
“Not having a velodrome in the area is heartbreaking for our family,” Sarah Mann, a youth cycling parent and coach, said. “The region has been so incredibly fortunate to have the velodrome at its fingertips. It provides riders of all ages the opportunity for world-class training locally. As well it allows casual cyclists the opportunity to safely ride indoors all winter, away from cars and cold weather.”
New group to help foster youth cycling
To help meet the demands of cycling in the area, and help youth continue to ride, members of the FCV have started a not-for-profit organization. Black Line Cycling Association will organize mountain bike clinics, group racing, and recreational rides. “The mission of Black Line Cycling Association is to realize a multi-use cycling centre providing the opportunity to participate in recreational riding, training, and racing,” the club said in a statement.
To learn more, visit Blacklinecycling.ca
