The town of Grenchen was all about cycling on November 8 - the "Velodrome Suisse" project was presented to the public in the Parktheater. A multifunctional hall with a built-in 250-metre cycling track is to be built in the Grenchen sports facility zone - in the immediate vicinity of the headquarters of bicycle manufacturer BMC.

Not just cycling in the Velodrome
"Today we are writing a chapter in Swiss sports history. With the Velodrome Suisse project, we are offering a new infrastructure to promote young cyclists in Switzerland. A new performance center is to be created here, a medal factory for the future," explained initiator Andy Rihs. Following the example of nations such as Australia or England, talented cyclists are to be introduced to the top level of road cycling via track cycling. The central location of Grenchen is described as ideal. Until now, the tracks in Aigle and Geneva and the open track in Oerlikon have offered only a few training opportunities."We also want to hold world and European championships in Grenchen and who knows, maybe even a world hour record will be set here one day," said Andy Rihs, looking ahead. But not only cyclists, numerous other sports will also benefit from the new training facilities. The Velodrome Suisse is also ideal for major events or trade fairs. "For us, this project is an image factor with national and international appeal. New jobs will be created and the multiple uses speak for themselves," explained Boris Banga, Mayor of Grenchen.