The sun is shining, there is bratwurst and cake. If you want, you can even watch small bike races. Everything could be so beautiful at the Gera cycling club. Only the cycle track itself is anything but beautiful. The club has been fighting for a comprehensive renovation of the 250 meter long track for 25 years. Suggestions and plans were repeatedly developed that were ultimately not implemented. Under the motto “Renovation of the cycle track: Now! 25 years are enough”, the members wanted to make their voices heard on Thursday.
Velodrome in Gera: The problems
You don’t have to look long for damaged areas. The north curve of the route in particular immediately catches the eye. Parts have already been replaced all along the curve. The large temperature fluctuations make the track even more difficult, says trainer Heike Schramm. Freezing and thawing causes cracks that need to be repaired again and again. As a result, the training time in the spring is pushed further and further back.
Accidents can also happen due to the broken cycle track. In 2003 there was a serious fall at the German championships. Since then, the club has no longer held competitions for young people over 17 and adults.
The floor panels show further damage. According to the World Cycling Association, a difference in height of just five millimeters per two meters in length or width is permitted on a cycle track. According to Heike Schramm, in Gera it is around five centimeters.
The railway ties are also causing problems for the club. The outer wooden band often splinters. Last summer many wooden slats were replaced. According to the club, the splinters are still a risk factor.
But these are only the biggest renovation points. All problems were recorded by the club in a creative way with photos. Small figures are used in problem areas on the railway as construction or mining workers and also as mountain climbers. The amount of photos at the event shows where there is a need for action.
Measuring system, display board and loudspeakers are missing
A good cycling track requires more than just a passable surface. A scoreboard, a timing system, a loudspeaker system – all of this used to be available in Gera. Today there is nothing left of it.
At the everyone’s races on Thursday, attention was drawn to these deficiencies. If you wanted, you could try your hand at the cycling track. There was a challenge: the 250 meters had to be covered in exactly 36 seconds. That’s exactly the time it takes at a speed of 25 km/h. Because of the road damage, the participants were only allowed to drive individually.