British Cycling will not relocate to London after Olympics

BRITISH Cycling will not be leaving their Manchester home to move to the new velodrome being built for the London 2012 Olympics.

STAYING PUT: Olympic silver medallist Wendy Houvenaghel in action at the Manchester velodrome (British Cycling)

Following the 2002 Commonwealth Games, British cyclists have been based at the Olympic-standard velodrome. However, with the Velopark currently being built in the Olympic Park, rumours have persisted that Sir Chris Hoy and co would relocate to the capital.

But British Cycling, who credit the overwhelming success enjoyed at the Beijing Olympics, where they were responsible for seven gold medals, to their Manchester base, have revealed they have no intention of upping sticks.

"Basically, we are staying put," said a British Cycling spokeswoman. "It's the best and brightest velodrome in the country and there is no reason for us to move to London.

"The National BMX Centre will soon be built at SportCity next to the velodrome and our new offices are going to be set up between the two venues."

Meanwhile, four-time Olympic gold medallist Hoy has welcomed the building of the new velodrome but has little desire to head south.

"I'm feeling fairly settled here. As far I'm aware, there are absolutely no plans for the British team to move," he said.

"But what's great about London is that we'll have another venue for people to train at and to reach a whole new population.

"So all these kids that see cycling on TV and fancy a shot will be able to get access to a world standard velodrome. It also means there's another place for us to compete at as well."