National Cycling Centre

The National Cycling Centre is the home of bike brilliance with elite competitors zooming round the velodrome. It was the UK’s first indoor Olympic-standard cycling track and hosted the cycling events at the Commonwealth Games in 2002. As well as a state-of-the-art velodrome, there’s an international-standard BMX arena with the only eight-metre electric start hill in the world.

Although these facilities are world-class, the National Cycling Centre is not just a training ground for gold-medal hopefuls. It also nurtures the next generation of talent. And it entertains those who just want a bit of fun too.

Many of the sessions at the velodrome do seem pretty formal with accreditation and structured, quality training but there are popular intro sessions too and inclusive accessible sessions.

The BMX arena comprises a diverse and technically challenging layout but it’s not too hardcore; tots can learn on a balance bike while intense coaching sessions are available for more dedicated riders.

As well as cycling, the centre also offers badminton, basketball, futsal, netball, pickleball and korfball plus conference and events facilities.