Group looks to build velodrome in Utah

Utah is famous for its bicycling friendly culture. Not counting the frequent interactions between cyclists and motor vehicles on the roads, there is an abundance of bicycle-related activities and venues to take advantage of.

One cycling activity that's not available, however, is track racing on a velodrome.

That may change, though.

The Salt Lake Velodrome Committee has formed and is trying to put together a grass-roots movement to fund, build and enjoy a venue. The idea is catching on with an online petition and a few cities expressing interest in being home to the new cycling facility.

Recently, Jeff Stenquist of the Draper City Council sent an e-mail to the committee expressing his willingness to help secure a location and seek funding sources for the facility.

Though it could be years away from reality, people like Steve Wasmund and Jeff Miller of the Salt Lake Velodrome Committee are actively exploring ways to make their cycling dream come true.

To sign the petition or get more information, visit GoPetition.com/online/14761 to join the movement.

USA CYCLING ON THE MOVE? One group that might have a particular interest in a Utah velodrome is USA Cycling. The national governing body for the sport is likely going to have to relocate from its current Colorado Springs office building when it is demolished. Ogden has made active efforts in trying to lure the organization to its city if it does leave Colorado.

USA Cycling oversees virtually all levels of the sport in the country including the track racing that would happen at an indoor arena.

Steve Johnson, president and CEO of USA Cycling, is a Utah native and a former professor at the University of Utah. With Drs. Max Test and Eric Heiden now working at TOSH in Murray and being official training partners with USAC, a move to Utah makes sense in many ways.

Johnson said he hopes to have a decision on where to relocate in the next few months.

ZABRISKIE, LEIPHEIMER OLYMPIC BOUND? After the completion of the 2007 professional cycling season, the United States will receive a full allotment of five berths in the 2008 Olympic road cycling event. The USA will also get two time trial invitations and that means Salt Lake's David Zabriskie and former Salt Laker Levi Leipheimer will most likely be competing for the United States in China, according to cyclingnews.com.