Thomas adds to chorus of opposition to Cardiff velodrome move

Maindy Flyers CC, the club where Geraint Thomas started, says it risks missing out on new talent if relocated, reports Tom Thewlis

- Tom Thewlis

Geraint Thomas has added his voice to those opposed to Cardiff City Council's plans to relocate Maindy Flyers Youth Cycling Club's historic outdoor velodrome to a new location in Cardiff Bay. The club believes that the proposed relocation to elsewhere in the city could see it miss out on Welsh cycling talent.

"Losing the velodrome isn't ideal because there's a lot of history there," Thomas told Cycling Weekly. "A lot of us grew up there, that's how we started, and being just out of the centre means it's close to a lot of kids. It's something you just stumble upon, that's how I got into it."

Formed in 1995, the club based in Maindy Park, Cardiff was where the 2018 Tour de France winner started cycling. Other professionals from both the men's and women's World Tour, including Owain Doull and Elinor Barker, began cycling with the club on its velodrome.

Cardiff City Council is seeking to acquire Maindy Park, and the club's track - despite its charitable status as part of its plans to expand a nearby school.

A new cycling facility for the club in Cardiff Bay - part of a wider sporting development project - has been proposed but in an open letter to Cardiff Council the club says the plans are unsuitable.

"It would just be a massive shame to see it go because of all the memories I have down there," Thomas added. "Owain [Doull], Elinor [Barker], all these guys have come from there, it will be a massive shame."