Old velodromes and circuits

There are fond memories but not much to be googled on the disappeared old velodromes and cycle circuits of the London area. This webpage is under construction but hopes to provide a central source of info and photos.

Please post, phone (01954 232758) or email any photos or memories you have to Sue Rogers for inclusion: scr27(at)cam.ac.uk

Velodromes:

Harlow Velodrome: Outdoor wooden velodrome built in 1976, 197metres, 45 degree banking, with 2-storey clubhouse (Harlow CC) in Edinburgh Way, Harlow. Closed in 1993 when sold for site redevelopment, track and clubhouse demolished soon after. Story at: International Cycle Sport.

Paddington Recreation Ground Cycle Track:In the 1880s, a time of great unemployment, Paddington Cricket Club had difficulty finding local venues. A big campaign, led by RM Beachcroft, a keen cricketer, succeeded in buying 9 acres of land with a further 1 leased, using Queen Victoria's Jubilee Relief Fund to provide work for 500 men to drain the land and build a cinder track for athletics and cycling, Beachcroft generously funding the materials. 3500yds of clay, 2800yds of ballast and 1300yds of ashes later, the result was a cricket pitch, tennis courts, cycling and running tracks and a terraced roof pavilion.

In 1893 the Paddington Recreation Ground Act was passed, providing another 1.5 acres of land which was excellent considering it was prime building land and had to be bought by the foot, not the acre. Much persistent work, promises and subscriptions by local people and authorities was behind this, though today the Beachcroft Gate is the only reminder.

The cycle track became a banked concrete slab track by 1900. It was well-used right up until its demolition in 1987 when it was grassed over. Remnants of one banking can be seen in grassy bank parallel to Grantully Road.

The bunch in full flow at Paddington Track, 1970s. Archer rider with A on sleeves is Joseph Giret. Photo supplied by Stuart Benstead.

Midweek evening track league, Paddington Track, 1970s. Photo supplied by Yoav Tzabar, shown centre of photo. Copyright unknown but printed in Paddington Times local newspaper.

Below: Dave Handley and Steve Heffernan in a very tight sprint finish. Photo supplied by Bob Drew, organiser at Paddington Track 1960s-70s.

Circuits

Eastway Cycle Circuit: 1.1 mile asphalt road circuit with associated offroad mountainbike/cyclocross circuit, one storey clubhouse with bar, offices, bikestore, workshop, two-storey wooden judge's box. Hosted Tuesday night timetrial sessions, Monday mountain bike series, Thursday evening road race league. Demolished xxxx to make way for London Olympic site. Due to be reinstated after 2012 Olympics.

Dunmow Airfield: north-east of Dunmow. Only traces of the old airfield are left but no public access as located on the private roads of Easton lodge estate. Races hosted in 1950s. Photo. (This photo is on Classic Lightweight site. Press your browser's back button to return to Crest CC website).

Stapleford Tawney Airfield: racing no longer takes place on this still-in-use airfield near Abridge. Middle photo shows massed start women's road race there in 1952. (This photo is on Classic Lightweight site. Press your browser's back button to return to Crest CC website).

North Weald Airdrome: airdrome still in use but racing no longer takes place there. Hosted races in the 1970s.

Victoria Park Cycle Circuit, Hackney: xxxx. Crest CC ran the "Vicky Park Tens" on this circuit to recruit new members in the 1960s.

Hackney Speedway Stadium: xxxx

Epping Speedway Circuit: xxxx