The schedule for the new pump track facility in Grieskirchen is ambitious. The new cycle wave track south of the tennis hall and next to the fun park is due to be completed by the end of October. Yesterday, after five days of continuous rain, the groundbreaking ceremony took place.
It is the first project of the “Master Plan for Pump Tracks” and the facility is being co-financed by the state of Upper Austria with 50 percent. “One or two more pump tracks are to follow every year. They are intended to inspire many children and young people to take up cycling,” said State Sports Councilor Markus Achleitner (VP). Paul Resch, President of the Upper Austrian Cycling Association, emphasized that children learn to master the bike in a playful way and are given the tools they need to later enter cycling racing.
Committed cycling club
The driving force behind the project is the Grieskirchen cycling club, which has made a name for itself beyond the state borders with its annual cycling marathon. “It will be a cool meeting place for young people, with the pump track we can definitely inspire many to get into cycling,” said chairman Wolfgang Breitwieser. Mayor Maria Pachner (VP) emphasized that the club does exemplary youth work and has shown a lot of initiative. She also thanked the regional economy for its support. The facility costs 200,000 euros plus another 20,000 euros for the infrastructure. The state is contributing 100,000 euros, the cycling club 50,000 euros, and the rest comes from sponsors and the municipality. The 1300 square meter plot of land was provided by the savings bank.
Regular events
The track is 100 meters long and is a circular course with steep curves and jumps. It can be used not only by bicycle, but also by scooter, inline skates or skateboards. There will be floodlights, spectator seats and shade. The Grieskirchen cycling club wants to hold regular national races and events, starting at the end of October with an opening party at which professionals will show what is possible on this course.
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Source: Nachrichten
