Nivison Stadium

The Onchan Centre of Excellence for Sport

The Team

• Mr Geoff Karran- Chairperson Isle of Man Sports Council

• Mr Steve Shimmin- Chairperson Isle of Man Cycling Association

• Mr Dave Cockram- British Cycling Facilities Manager

• Mr John Bellis- Project Leader

Initial Report

• March 2005 carried out by British Cycling

• First impressions were very favourable. The track has good geometry, its bankings are not too severe and the transitions from bankings to straights are good. The track has a continuous run off strip approximately one metre wide, which is well surfaced and rideable.

• It clearly states that no real problems are anticipated to regenerate the area for the use of cycling

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Track Surface

• There are no signs of significant cracking, but the surface has begun to deteriorate as a result of exposure to the elements. Bituminous surfacing has a limited life, even when lightly trafficked as the bitumen becomes brittle, but given the age of the track the surfacing is in reasonable condition, and a tribute to the men that constructed it.

Earth Works

• There are some signs that some settlement of the embankment has occurred since the track was surfaced. In places the outer perimeter wall deviates from its true line, and there are depressions in the track surface. These are in need of repair, and before resurfacing the track it will be necessary to carry out some reconstruction and stabilisation of the perimeter wall. It is likely that the earthworks have stabilised, and there is no reason to suspect that wholesale reconstruction of the embankments is necessary

Infield

• There is an inner perimeter tarmac flat track and Armco fence. The Armco will need to be completely removed before the cycle track is resurfaced or used. The inner perimeter track is in good condition, and should remain as an access platform for resurfacing vehicles. The flat tarmac track is also very useful in the permanent situation as a run off/warm up area for the velodrome,

Site Development

• Once resurfaced, the track will be suitable for a variety of usage, and for all levels of racing. The regular programme for an outdoor track is based on a weekly track league, mainly for local riders of all standards. Regional, National and International meetings are the next stage, and their promotion is dependant on the enthusiasm and abilities of the organisers. Obviously the IOM situation is different, but there is every reason to believe that riders will travel from the mainland for a well organised track meeting.

• The existing spectator provision is adequate, and no alterations are recommended provided that statutory regulations are complied with.

Usage

• Schools

• Cycling Clubs

• Health Services

• Island Community initiatives (holiday clubs, walk and talk clubs)

• Disabled

• In line skating

• Coach Training and Development

Anticipated Timetable

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Morning	Health Service Activity	Veteran Cycling	Disability Cycling	Health Service Activity	Veteran Cycling	Cycling club	Race Meeting
Afternoon	School Cycling Holiday Clubs	School Cycling Holiday Clubs	School Cycling Holiday Clubs	School Cycling Holiday Clubs	School Cycling Holiday Clubs	Football	Football
Evening	Football Training	Cycle Training/ Coaching/Racing	Football Training	Cycle Training/ Coaching/Racing	Athletics Triathlon Cycle Coaching	In Line Skating	Health Service Activity

Management

• The initiative would be partnership between Isle of Man Cycling Association, Isle of Man Sports Council and Onchan Commissioners.

• Full strategy will be drawn up for the management / day to day running of the facility on a positive decision from Onchan Commissioners

Isle of Man Sports Councils View

The initiative of the IOM Cycling Association supported by British Cycling will in our opinion create a golden opportunity to further improve and enhance a sporting centre in Onchan. The need for a Cycling Track facility within the Isle of Man is well known and accepted and its provision would enable the continued growth of one of our most successful sports. In addition, with the existing facilities of a flat green bowling, squash centre and a football stadium, the addition of cycling will enhance the Onchan area and become a great sporting venue and attraction.

Sports Development

In conjunction with British Cycling, opportunities would include:

• Junior sports schemes

• Coaching

• World Class Performance programmes

• Health related opportunities

Revenue Funding

• The refurbishment of the Onchan Cycle track is of major significance for the IOM for both competitive, leisure cycling and the well being of the Islanders. The levels of participation in cycling achieved by an Island of small population are truly incredible, and if the same proportions could be maintained in GB as a whole we would be the number one cycling nation in the world by a very wide margin. The IOM system for attracting children into the sport, based on very limited usage of a relatively small single facility is remarkable, and with another facility in operation the participation levels will increase still further. With more participation the possibility of finding more riders of the calibre of Mark Cavendish is increased greatly.

• Increased usage of the Onchan Park will have knock on effect to the other facilities available in the park and provide opportunities for increased revenue generation.

Summary

• It is felt most strongly that the track is potentially a great asset to cycling and the community on the Isle of Man and its refurbishment should be urgently considered so that development of cycling can continue to grow

• The Onchan track will provide an additional traffic free facility, and will allow cycle sport on the Island to develop even further.

Conclusion

• The refurbishment of the Onchan Cycle track is of major significance for the IOM for both competitive, leisure cycling and the well being of the Islanders. The levels of participation in cycling achieved by an Island of small population are truly incredible, and if the same proportions could be maintained in GB as a whole we would be the number one cycling nation in the world by a very wide margin. The IOM system for attracting children into the sport, based on very limited usage of a relatively small single facility is remarkable, and with another facility in operation the participation levels will increase still further. With more participation the possibility of finding more riders of the calibre of Mark Cavendish is increased greatly.

• Increased usage of the Onchan Park will have knock on effect to the other facilities available in the park and provide opportunities for increased revenue generation.