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Northbrook Velodrome Suspends 2004 Season
'Save the Velodrome' Successful; Resurfacing to Start in July
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Northbrook, Ill., April 23) - In a bittersweet vote, the Northbrook
Cycle Committee has chosen to suspend the 2004 season at the Ed Rudolph
Northbrook Velodrome. Although this will mean a year without racing at
the historic venue, the decision paves the way for resurfacing to begin
in July, rather than next September.
"It was a tough decision to make," said Peter Janunas, NCC president.
"Beginning the resurfacing project in July allows us to complete the
project before winter sets in. With the unpredictable Chicago weather,
there was a fear that beginning the project in September may have meant
jeopardizing the start of the 2005 season."
While he recognizes that the Chicago-area cycling community may be
disappointed in the choice, Janunas said he thinks they'll understand.
"We are now confident that resurfacing will happen," he said. "So even
though we may lose a year, we'll be back in 2005 on a brand-new track,
ready to race faster than ever."
Supporters of the Velodrome have raised nearly $230,000 since August of
last year. It was then that the Northbrook Park District, which owns the
Velodrome, announced that unless improvements were made the track may
shut down permanently. The Park District charged the cycling community
with raising half the funds needed, and the response from cyclists from
across the country solidified the future of the facility.
"The Park District has received a bid for the improvements project,"
Janunas said. "The acceptance vote will be May 26, and it appears we
have raised our half of the needed funds. But because of other community
events, work cannot begin until after July 4, and we thought it best to
suspend racing to ensure the project starts as quickly as possible."
A dedicated group of volunteers began the arduous task of attempting to
patch the track in the beginning of April, a process Janunas said he was
thankful for. "Ultimately, though, their efforts may not have been
enough; the track is in such bad shape," he said. "Instead, we can begin
anew and allow the project to go ahead full steam."
Planning is already underway to determine an alternate venue for
District Championship and other important events normally on the
Northbrook calendar. The NCC will continue to work with the Park
District as the project commences, ensuring that the facility will be
poised for a long and successful life once improvements are made.
www.northbrookvelodrome.com
'Save the Velodrome' Successful; Resurfacing to Start in July
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Northbrook, Ill., April 23) - In a bittersweet vote, the Northbrook
Cycle Committee has chosen to suspend the 2004 season at the Ed Rudolph
Northbrook Velodrome. Although this will mean a year without racing at
the historic venue, the decision paves the way for resurfacing to begin
in July, rather than next September.
"It was a tough decision to make," said Peter Janunas, NCC president.
"Beginning the resurfacing project in July allows us to complete the
project before winter sets in. With the unpredictable Chicago weather,
there was a fear that beginning the project in September may have meant
jeopardizing the start of the 2005 season."
While he recognizes that the Chicago-area cycling community may be
disappointed in the choice, Janunas said he thinks they'll understand.
"We are now confident that resurfacing will happen," he said. "So even
though we may lose a year, we'll be back in 2005 on a brand-new track,
ready to race faster than ever."
Supporters of the Velodrome have raised nearly $230,000 since August of
last year. It was then that the Northbrook Park District, which owns the
Velodrome, announced that unless improvements were made the track may
shut down permanently. The Park District charged the cycling community
with raising half the funds needed, and the response from cyclists from
across the country solidified the future of the facility.
"The Park District has received a bid for the improvements project,"
Janunas said. "The acceptance vote will be May 26, and it appears we
have raised our half of the needed funds. But because of other community
events, work cannot begin until after July 4, and we thought it best to
suspend racing to ensure the project starts as quickly as possible."
A dedicated group of volunteers began the arduous task of attempting to
patch the track in the beginning of April, a process Janunas said he was
thankful for. "Ultimately, though, their efforts may not have been
enough; the track is in such bad shape," he said. "Instead, we can begin
anew and allow the project to go ahead full steam."
Planning is already underway to determine an alternate venue for
District Championship and other important events normally on the
Northbrook calendar. The NCC will continue to work with the Park
District as the project commences, ensuring that the facility will be
poised for a long and successful life once improvements are made.
www.northbrookvelodrome.com