Our Velodrome track will take a short pause this October for track sanding works, a key part of the city’s ongoing commitment to maintaining world-class sporting infrastructure.

Funded by Manchester City Council, the works will extend the track’s lifespan beyond 2028, ensuring a smoother, safer surface for all riders - from grassroots participants to Olympic hopefuls. The refurbishment will also support the Great British Cycling Team in their preparations for the Los Angeles Olympics.

From 16th to 30th October the track will temporarily close whilst the surface is sanded back to the original wood finish and any worn or damaged boards are replaced. Once sanding is complete, the track will be refinished, and track racing lines repainted.

Home of British Cycling since the early 1990’s, Manchester’s National Cycling Centre and its Velodrome has become the beating heart of British track cycling success. The world-class facility has nurtured generations of riders, from grassroots participants to Olympic champions, and has played a central role in Britain’s dominance on the world stage. Many of the nation’s most decorated cyclists — including Sir Chris Hoy, the recently crowned UK Sportswoman of the 21st century Dame Laura Kenny, and Sir Jason Kenny — honed their skills here, with countless world records and medal-winning performances tracing their roots back to training sessions in Manchester. The venue’s unique blend of community access and elite sport has created a pipeline of talent that continues to inspire and produce cycling excellence.

This latest investment into the venue follows its re-opening in 2023 after refurbishment which saw all areas of the National Cycling Centre benefit from the major investment from Manchester City Council, Sport England and Central Government, which sees it now boast more modern, efficient, and sustainable features which supports local pathways to participation at all levels from community to elite cycling programmes. The £27 million investment saw works to improve its facilities and green credentials – becoming the UK’s first all-electric Velodrome.

The Velodrome is part of a wider multi-million pound capital investment across Manchester’s enviable leisure estate, which includes elite venues and community centres. This long-term strategy has delivered millions in capital investment over three decades, transforming Manchester into a truly globally recognised sporting city, ranking in the top 10 worldwide consecutively for the past 7 years.

Councillor John Hacking, Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure, said:

“Manchester’s investment in sport and physical activity is more than infrastructure - it’s a catalyst for change. Improvements, like this work at the Velodrome, will have a transformational impact on our residents, helping to improve their health and wellbeing, and participation levels whilst encouraging a more active lifestyle and connecting our communities to world-class facilities. Through this work, the city continues to modernise and protect much-needed services, ensuring they remain accessible, inclusive, and future-proof”