14 July 2006 - TARMAC GETS CYCLISTS BACK ON TRACK
Tarmac has helped cyclists in Wales get back on track with a major re-surfacing project at one of the UK's major velodromes.
PThe £385,000 project involved the company re-surfacing the velodrome at Maindy, in Cardiff, and re-landscaping the area around the track.
Earth from the landscaping was then used to create a new BMX circuit for the local community and Tarmac also donated four BMX bikes to the centre at the unveiling of the new track which was attended by representatives of Welsh Cycling.
It is the fifth velodrome project Tarmac has completed and included laying a 100ml asphalt mix - a specialist sports surfacing known as Tarmac Mastertrack. To lay the surface, Tarmac used a specially adapted mobile plant system as a conventional asphalt paver would overturn or slip, as would the following roller.
Richard Beal, senior contracts manager for Tarmac National Contracting, said: "We re-surfaced the existing cycle velodrome at Maindy for Cardiff City Council and the British Cycling Federation.
"The surface we have laid has been specially developed over the last couple of years and is used exclusively for banked tracks like this. The track is now up to international standard and it's been said it is a lot faster and versatile than it used to be. It was also rewarding to be able to develop the BMX track at the site which will be of benefit to the whole community.
"We've worked closely with the British Cycling Federation and re-surfaced five of these velodromes now over the last few years. There are also another couple of velodrome projects in the pipeline."
Dave Jackson, track manager at Maindy, said: "I'm delighted that we've been able to complete this new development in conjunction with Tarmac. One of the biggest things I've noticed working with Tarmac is the pride they take in their velodromes - they've really gone to town and the workmanship is second to none.
"I feel sure that our regular track riders will be pleased to notice a real difference in the track surface and I'm confident that the new BMX circuit will be a real success with youngsters from all over the city."
