Singapore’s first velodrome to be built in Kranji by end-2027

“With partners like EPS’ support, we are a step closer to a home facility that will strengthen our high-performance pathway, broaden community participation and help us build a squad that is podium-ready by 2029.”

EPS chief executive Cyril Ducau said: “Great athletes need a place to call home, and the outdoor velodrome will give Singapore’s track cyclists the training environment they deserve, right here in Singapore.”

It was reported in 2019 that an indoor velodrome was among the plans for the Kallang Alive precinct, and Hing had previously told ST that a successful outdoor velodrome would help make the case for a higher-standard indoor facility in future.

Singapore’s national track cyclists currently train at velodromes in Malaysia – namely in Johor and Nilai, in Negeri Sembilan – and the travelling adds to demands on athletes who are juggling school or work.

Beyond high-performance training, the Kranji facility is meant to host local and regional competitions as well as community programmes for riders of all ages and abilities.

It is also part of SCF’s road map to develop national performance centres for each cycling discipline.

SCF high performance director Shayne Bannan said: “Track cycling is won and lost in the details: thousands of hours on the boards, refining starts, pacing and race craft.

“Until now, our riders have had to cross the border just to get that time on a velodrome, which limits how often and how consistently they can train.

“A home track changes that. It allows our coaches to run a structured, daily training environment, bring through younger riders from the Track Cycling Academy alongside our national squad, and prepare properly for the SEA Games 2029.”

SCF launched the Track Cycling Academy in January 2023 for youth aged 14 to 18, with the aim of developing riders who can represent Singapore at international competitions, including the 2029 SEA Games.

National track cyclist Elizabeth Liau said a home velodrome would let athletes “focus more on performance, preparation and recovery” instead of travelling across the border.

She added: “It would create opportunities for younger riders to discover track cycling, develop their skills and experience grassroots racing.

“For athletes like myself, a home velodrome would provide a platform to showcase Singapore’s potential in track cycling and allow us to train on a more level playing field with our regional competitors, especially with the SEA Games coming to Singapore in 2029.

“Ultimately, it would be a significant investment in the future of Singapore track cycling, benefiting both current athletes and the next generation.”