KL Velodrome re-opened as timely training venue for Sukma

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 7 -- After a four-year layoff, the Kuala Lumpur Velodrome in Cheras was finally re-opened in time for the Kuala Lumpur cycling team to train ahead of the 2022 Malaysia Games (Sukma).

Kuala Lumpur Cycling Association (PBKL) president Ahmad Arif Astaman said permission to re-open the 34-year-old venue was granted following discussions with the developer, Dupion Development Sdn Bhd which is also the owner of the land.

“Teams are allowed to train at this velodrome until Sukma at the discretion given by the landowners, who are happy to let athletes use this venue despite having to bear the cost to delay construction at the location.

"With this venue, coaches have the opportunity to control the training schedule for young riders since they do not have to share the training centre with other riders," he said, when met by reporters during a training session of the Kuala Lumpur cycling squad at the velodrome today.

Commenting on the safety level of the velodrome, Ahmad Arif was optimistic that the iconic venue had a safe surface for use as a training ground as a result of the research of former national rider and experienced coach Datuk Ng Joo Ngan.

"Although it was not maintained for almost four years, this track is quite safe to use but during the rainy season, no training will be held, while cyclists will wait until the track is dry and we will determine a safe route for athletes to negotiate," he said.

At the same time, he said that the association (PBKL) is in the process of submitting a proposal paper to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and the Ministry of Federal Territories to provide a new velodrome as a training centre for cyclists.

For young Kuala Lumpur cycling athlete, Ahmad Syafiq opined that the temporary opening of the Kuala Lumpur Velodrome gave him and the team an advantage to undergo training in preparation for the upcoming Sukma.

"It is a joy to train at this velodrome because before this, we only trained on the road and this (Cheras) location is nearer compared to the National Velodrome in Nilai which requires quite a cost to travel there," said the 18-year-old cyclist.

Meanwhile, Joo Ngan described the Cheras velodrome as an ideal training centre because of its open structure which is exposed to the sun as well as its concrete track, compared to a closed velodrome with a wooden track surface.

Based on previous media reports, DBKL had sold the 4.8-hectare area to the developer and the last time a competition was organised at this venue was in March, 2017 before it was closed for demolition to make way for the construction of commercial projects.

-- BERNAMA