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