Olympic-standard velodrome proposed for Leeds

After 1.5m people took to the streets of Leeds for May's Tour de Yorkshire, councillors are now looking into the possibility of bringing an Olympic-standard velodrome to the city.

The news comes on the back of last year's lucrative hosting of the Tour de France's Grand Départ (opens in new tab) in the region, as well as the unveiling of an outdoor velodrome in York.

Liberal Democrat councillor Brian Cleasby, who has proposed this latest idea, told the Yorkshire Evening Post (opens in new tab) that he was looking to build on cycling's burgeoning popularity.

>>>New £1 million velodrome approved in Middlesbrough (opens in new tab)

"It is pretty obvious that there is an enormous appetite for cycling in this area and I want to build on that," said Mr Cleasby.

"People might say it is far-fetched, but if Manchester can do it, then there is no reason why we can't do the same - or better. Let's get a debate started."

The proposal will be discussed at a full council meeting on Wednesday July 8, and Cllr Cleasby will be asking the council to start looking into potential sites and funding opportunities.

Geraint Thomas talks Cycling Weekly through his personal cycling history