9
TRUST WA I KATO
ANNUAL REPORT
2 0 1 4
Construction of the $28.5million Avantidrome began
back in June 2012 and features a world class 250m
track designed by German expert Ralph Schuermann.
Shipping containers came from Germany, packed
with the framework and 50km of timber for the track
surface which took two months to complete.
The arena also features a 3,000sqm recessed infield
area which includes a public fitness zone, wooden
pump track and BMX start ramp. Permanent
spectator seating can accommodate 1,525 people. The
facility’s footprint also includes a gym and weight
room, café, Avanti bike shop and 2,500sqm of office
space. Among the tenants are BikeNZ, Triathlon
NZ, Para Cycling NZ, High Performance Sport NZ,
the University of
Waikato and other
sports related
providers.
The Avantidrome
offers support for
all forms of cycling:
road, track, BMX and
mountain biking.
Its services cater to
a variety of patrons,
from high performance athletes to community
cyclists. Ranging in age from 10 years to 92 years,
community cyclists hail from schools, clubs, corporate
groups and the general public.
School cycling has become extremely popular with
over 20 hours of school cycling each week including
a Home of Cycling Academy programme catering for
more advanced school riders.
Outside the Avantidrome an adjacent bike skills park
and Te Awa Cycle Way linking to Cambridge, are also
proving extremely popular with children and families.
Home of Cycling chief executive Geoff Balme
says, “While many riders new to track cycling are
understandably nervous when they first go on the
track, trained instructors and the comprehensive
instruction they provide ensures a safe and enjoyable
experience. Many quickly become regulars soon after
experiencing their first ‘Have a Go’ session.”
The Avantidrome was officially opened in April
2014 by their Royal Highnesses The Duke and
Duchess of Cambridge. During its first 3 months of
operating, there have been over 6,000 community
rides, representing nearly 80% of the total usage.
Elite training includes BikeNZ’s senior track team
who competed successfully in the 2014 Glasgow
Commonwealth Games. A junior track team will
compete at the Junior World Championships in Korea
in August. In September 2014 Avantidrome will host
its first international event, a three day competition
involving riders from New Zealand, Australia,
Canada, USA, Malaysia and Scotland.
Geoff Balme says, “This is a wonderful start for the
Avantidrome. There is something for everybody,
irrespective of their cycling ability. We are realising
our vision – a world class environment where
champions inspire the participation of everyday
people. The Avantidrome is a community facility of
national significance.”
During its first 3
months of operating,
there have been over
6,000 community
rides, representing
nearly 80% of the
total usage.
$500,000
TRUST WAIKATO DONATION 2013
250M TRACK
RECESSED INFIELD AREA
3,000sqm
10-92
YEAR OLDS
HAVE RIDDEN ON TRACK
