‘Best facility in US or Canada’: Coronation velodrome opens to cycling clubs

Local athletes are excited to test out Edmonton's new velodrome, which has been in the works for almost 20 years. CTV News Edmonton's Connor Hogg has the story.

Cyclists have been gearing up for an indoor velodrome in Edmonton as construction has been underway in Coronation Park for the last three years.

Although not fully open to the public, the Coronation Park Sports and Recreation Centre will start welcoming cycling clubs to train on its fresh 250-metre track.

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“The facility itself is unlike any other,” said Alex Ongaro, the head coach of the Argyll Velodrome Association. “I believe this is the best facility in the US or Canada.”

Ongaro was a cyclist on the Canadian National Cycling Team for seven years and took silver at the 1986 Commonwealth Games.

He said he’s already had national team riders wanting to come to Edmonton to train.

“Up to now, with the outdoor track, there’s been a disconnect where we can only bring them so far with the facilities that we had … now with this velodrome, I think we can get right there … if they want to get to that level,” said Ongaro.

Olympic cycling medalist Tara Whitten said people have been talking about the facility in Edmonton for years, and to finally ride the track, it’s been incredible.

“It feels just beautiful to ride.”

She said when she first started track cycling at the Argyll Velodrome, there were none in Canada that met international standards.

“Now we have three … you can just see the effect that it has on the cycling development in Canada,” said Whitten. “It opens the door to building the base of people who love cycling in Canada, and hopefully also developing some elite athletes.”

While there are only about 200 seats for spectators, the facility isn’t fit for international competition, but will serve as a destination for provincial and national championships, and of course, elite training.

The $153-million facility has been in the works for nearly two decades, said Tanya Dubnicoff, general manager of the Alberta Velodrome Association.

“I can remember back in 2008, coming to a city hall event where the new velodrome was struck down,” she said. “Finally riding the track and seeing people on the track is incredible.”

Young cyclist Adam Ritchie said without an indoor place to train, he’s at a disadvantage in comparison to some of his competitors.

“This is going to close the difference between me and the other riders that race. It’s going to make a huge difference,” he said.

Coronation Park Sports and Recreation Centre is anticipated to open some time in January with several amenities including a running track, fitness centre, bouldering wall, gymnasiums, multi-purpose rooms and an indoor play space.

Neighbouring Peter Hemingway Fitness and Leisure Centre is expected to reopen in tandem with Coronation after it was closed for rehabilitation in 2021.

New fixtures of that facility include tiling in the pool basin, deck, hot tub and change rooms, a new interior paint job as well as a new roof and walls.

An above-ground link will connect the two facilities.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Connor Hogg