YOUNG cyclists have given the thumbs-up to York’s new £1.1million outdoor velodrome. Teenagers were among those who tried out the track at the University of York this week.

“This is the first time we have had a chance to use it,” said 15-year-old Clifton Cycling Club cyclist Ben Wait. “It’s great to have it here in York. We have had to go to Scunthorpe to train before this.”

The track, which is jointly funded by British Cycling and the university, is due to open officially on July 13: just a week after the Tour de France comes to town.

That is perfect timing to build on what we hope will be a surge of enthusiasm for all things cycling in the wake of the great race.

The velodrome will be of Olympic standard, and the hope is that some Olympic stars of the future will train here. “Hopefully we might see the next Joanna Rowsell or Jason Kenny develop at the York velodrome,” said British Cycling president Bow Howden.

The new track won’t be just about elite cyclists, however – it will be for everyone keen to have a go.

There will be a weekly race league for those who like a competitive edge to their cycling. But the velodrome will also offer regular taster and skills sessions plus structured training, and there will also be opportunities for local schools and community groups to use it.

It will “provide the perfect platform for more people of all ages to engage with and enjoy cycling,” said Welcome to Yorkshire boss Gary Verity.

That’s exactly what we want to see. This velodrome is there for the people of York. Let’s use it.