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@cornelius_blackfoot
Plurien, again thanks for your insight and knowledge of the ins, outs and hoops required to jump through to get this project through whilst still keeping the cyclists who will use the facilities at the forefront.
In terms of prioritising usage, I suggest you speak to JC or RPM who coach and help down at the Herne Hill Velodrome, or VCL who look after the coaching down there, as most london cyclists first experience of riding on a velodrome starts at herne hill.
I think linking the two venues together, and using Herne Hill as a feeder for the velodrome is a no brainer, so that they can sustain each other hopefully, with herne hill being a place where you can learn skills and track/race craft and then hone those skills at a higher level at the national velodrome. What would be unfortunate would be for all the riders who have been using herne hill to be sucked away by the shininess of the national velodrome, never to return.
So some sort of co-ordinated booking/coaching schedule would be welcome.
I'm assuming that the Velodrome will be a commercial venture, so with the boom in track cycling attendance and visibility, events such as the Good Friday Meet (traditionally held at herne hill) or new events like the Manchester Revolution??? a uk version of a traditional continental 6 day track meet will want to be held there, so will they take priority over training sessions?
I think the velodrome will be chock full from opening, but more communication with those who are passionate about the track, particularly those who frequent herne hill is a must. Obviously as you mentioned there is no firm date for re-opening, but lines of communication must be kept open and updates on work that is done, being done, should be more forthcoming.
Maybe start inviting cycling clubs in london and the south east to take a tour round the velodrome, to solidify interest, I was one of many who didn't get track tickets during the olympics and paralympics, so to see the inside of the velodrome myself would be a great thing.
Also there is the need to start linking to the local community, and to advocate for people to cycle to and from the venue, obviously with the aim to get more people on their bikes, not just for sport based activity but also as transportation, so probably connecting with one or more of the cycle training organisations to get them into schools in the surrounding area so they can teach kids to ride in a suitable manner. Speak to Skydancer or wiganwill who are both cycle trainers on here.
Maybe think about starting a cycling club specifically for the velodrome, is that stupid? Or asking members of VCL to be part of any coaching, membership drives etc.