Board Rejects Plan To Keep Blaine's Velodrome Open
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO/AP) -- The likelihood that Minnesota will lose its only race track for bicyclists is one step closer to reality.
The Velodrome at the National Sports Center in Blaine opened 25 years ago, and currently needs some costly repairs. The center says it loses about $50,000 a year to keep the track running.
There had been a push by a local racing enthusiast to raise money in order to save it, but at a Thursday night board meeting, the National Sports Center rejected a plan to keep it open.
Friends of Velodrome Racing in Minnesota is trying to raise money to save the 250-meter track, which was built in 1990 with an expected 20-year lifespan.
The board did say that if they could find outside financial support, they would consider re-opening the Velodrome.
New estimates put the repair costs at about $75,000. The facility has also been operating with an annual operating deficit of about $45,000 to $50,000.
Fewer than 200 cyclists regularly compete at the velodrome. The nearest other velodrome is in Kenosha, Wis.
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