Olympic-standard velodrome proposed for Leeds
The idea, put forward by Liberal Democrat councillor Brian Cleasby, will be discussed at a meeting of Leeds City Council on July 8
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 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 that he was looking to build on cycling's burgeoning popularity.
>>>New £1 million velodrome approved in Middlesbrough
"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.
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Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
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