Arena provides setting for cycling team announcement

Derby Arena recently provided the backdrop for Team England to announce the cyclists who will be representing the home nation at this summer’s Commonwealth Games.

All 35 team members are part of the Great British Cycling Team, who have been training at the arena in recent months while their usual base at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester is closed for refurbishment.

The team consists of athletes with previous Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games success, including five-time Olympic champion Dame Laura Kenny, and double-gold medal winning Paralympic champion, Steve Bate MBE.

The line-up also includes Olympic omnium champion Matt Walls, Tokyo silver medallist and world omnium champion Ethan Hayter, Paralympic silver medallist and road world champion Sophie Unwin and mountain bike world champion Evie Richards.

Councillor Jerry Pearce, Derby City Council’s cabinet member for Streetpride, leisure and public spaces, met some of the team members who will be making their Commonwealth Games debut in track and road events.

He said: “Congratulations to all the cyclists who have been picked to represent England.

“A home Commonwealth Games is always special, and we’ll be cheering them on.

“Watching the elite cyclists in action on the track at Derby Arena is incredible.

“The great thing about Derby Arena is that it’s open to anyone who feels inspired to come and have a go with the guidance of our professional coaches and share that experience of being on the track.”