BLACK Country cyclists hoping to bring a velodrome to the West Midlands have hit an important milestone in their campaign.

It’s almost six years since the West Midlands Velodrome Campaign began and a petition on Change.org, launched in January 2018, has now notched up 10,000 signatures.

The campaign started after news that Birmingham would host the 2022 Commonwealth Games was followed by a decision to host track cycling in London.

Cyclists discovered no study was ever carried out to look at creating a velodrome for track cyclists in the West Midlands but after much campaigning it was confirmed earlier this year that an authoritative business case analysis for a West Midlands velodrome would be undertaken.

The Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, has been supportive of the campaign, and the findings of the business case study are expected in early 2024.

Campaign spokesperson Charlie Dickens, a former Stourbridge-based track cycling fan living in London who launched the petition for the velodrome, said: “It has been a difficult and frustrating path to get to this stage. Every signature on the petition has really helped showcase the public support.”

Cyclist Dave Viner, chairperson of Halesowen Cycling Club, said he was delighted to see the petition calling for a velodrome for the region notch up 10,000 signatures.

He said: “It’s a bit of a milestone.

“We’re tremendously grateful to everybody who has given support in the form of signing the petition and standing up for what we’re trying to achieve.”

He said if the region does ultimately succeed in getting a velodrome built, the facility would also be a multi-sport centre.

He stressed: “It’s not just for cycling.”

Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris has also been supportive of the campaign and said: “I’ve been working with Dave Viner at Halesowen Cycling Club and Andy Street, our West Midlands Mayor, to make the case for a new velodrome in the West Midlands.

“After the success of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham last year, it’s important our region has a base to develop the next Hamish Turnbull’s and Laura Kenny’s.

“Whilst progress has been a little frustrating at times, I’m pleased to see the Mayor is honouring his manifesto commitment by commissioning an independent study for a business case for a new velodrome.

“Cycling is accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds, and with the physical and mental health benefits of taking up a sport, I’m keen to see a new facility that will develop and nurture talent, and provide an opportunity for an accessible and multi-purpose venue that will serve the whole community.”

Anyone wishing to sign the petition calling for a velodrome to be built in the West Midlands can go to the Change.org website (search West Midlands velodrome).