Work begins on Bath's £600,000 cycling circuit

Work is under way on a new £600,000 cycle track in Bath.

The 1.5km closed road cycling circuit at Odd Down Playing Fields has been funded by British Cycling.

The traffic-free, specially-designed circuit - for racing and training - is part of a planned £1.8m redevelopment of the entire Odd Down site.

Other facilities include an artificial-turf pitch, pitch improvements and new changing facilities. Work is due to be completed in the spring.

'Cycling tradition'

Liberal Democrat councillor David Dixon, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said he hoped the facility would become a "centre of excellence" for disability cycling.

Cycling clubs across the district are involved in the project, which is led by Bath and North East Somerset Council and British Cycling.

Dave Cockram, from British Cycling, said the opportunity to build a closed road circuit in Bath was one he "welcomed".

"The city and the wider region have always had a strong cycling tradition," he added.

"The new circuit will allow British Cycling and Bath and North East Somerset Council to work together to further build on the extraordinary expansion in all types of cycling participation following the Tour de France and Olympic Games in 2012."