The last lap as sporting tradition comes to an end

Aug 29 2007 by Caroline Innes, Liverpool Daily Post

A PIECE of Liverpool’s sporting history will come to an end today with the closure of the cycle track at Kirkby Sports Centre.

After some 43 years, the last night of track racing will go ahead at the centre this evening, bringing an end to the renowned Wednesday night Track League.

In its heyday the league was acknowledged as one of the most successful in the country producing many champion racers such as world and Olympic champion Chris Boardman.

And despite the lure of an indoor velodrome just up the motorway in Manchester, until now the Kirkby Track League has retained an enthusiastic band of riders, spectators and officials.

But now the centre, which also caters for boxing, football, running and badminton will close for good and be demolished.

Chairman of Kirby Cycling Club Ken Matthews said: “The closing and demolition of Kirkby sports centre will be a big blow to local cycle racing enthusiasts and Kirkby cycling club.

“Our club rooms are still based here and we will now have to look for new premises.

“The Kirkby track has resulted in producing many champions and has been the base where riders, from schoolboys to veterans and ladies, have learned their trade.

“Perhaps the most notable name is Chris Boardman who became World and Olympic Champion, plus World One Hour Record Holder.

“In 1992 Boardman first tested the revolutionary Lotus bicycle at Kirkby. We are losing a real piece of history.”

Soon after opening, the centre was host to an England versus Scotland bicycle polo match and has been popular with cycling clubs from all over the North West.

In 2001 Doug Dailey returned with his squad including Olympic gold medallist Jason Queally, to train on the 485 metres long track as part of their preparation for the World Cup.

But it was in the 1960s that the first open track cycle meetings took place.

On August 3 1964, the track played host to a number of stars including Beryl Burton,Britain’s ladies’ pursuit champion of the world and many times national champion and Pete Smith, a Commonwealth rider living in London, and bronze medallist in the Perth Empire Games.

Mr Mathews organised the event and wrote in the programme: “We take this opportunity of paying tribute to Kirkby Urban District Council and their sub-contractors for their work in providing such an excellent venue for our sport and we feel certain that results in future years will be the best measure of our appreciation.”

To mark the closure of the track tonight a special night of racing has been organised and is expected to attract many former track league regulars for one last ride around the famous outdoor track.

While there are no plans to build another banked racing track in Kirkby, there is a flat circuit at the new Litherland Sports Park.

It is understood that the Liver- pool Mercury Racing Club hopes to stage a series of Wednesday night races in 2008 to keep the racing tradition in Liverpool.

Racing gets under way at 7.15pm and will be followed by a gathering in the centre’s Pyramid Suite. Kirkby Track League secretary Doreen Mallinson is inviting all past riders to attend the event. Call 01772 423 174.