CYCLE TRACK RECONSTRUCTION STARTED IN ALMATY

Vice Minister of Sports Erlan Kozhagapanov visited the cycle track in the Central Park of Culture and Leisure, where the reconstruction of this important sports facility is currently in process. Russian specialists help with construction works, and the sponsor is Astana Motors KMC. The construction will be completed by early autumn.

The reconstruction of the cycle track is highly important for cycling development in Kazakhstan: the continental Almaty Cycling Team has already been formed on its basis, and sportsmen have all the necessary facilities for training.

The Vice Minister of Sports appreciated the work progress and emphasized that cycling is an elite sport that traditionally brings home many medals at prestigious competitions, and its development has an impact on the image of the entire country.

“It is planned that this cycle track in Almaty will comply with all international standards and become a place for training and holding competitions, but above all, this facility must provide young sportsmen with excellent training conditions,” Mr. Kozhagapanov concluded.

During the visit, he had a meeting with Head of the Kazakhstan Cycling Federation Nurlan Smagulov. Mr. Smagulov said that after reconstruction, the cycle track would be given its historical name, Spartak:

“This cycle track was built in 1980. It had a wooden covering that did not serve long due to its features. We are currently dismantling it and mounting a modern one. The cycle track will comply with all international standards, and a BMX park will be located in its center.”

Mr. Smagulov also mentioned the start of the construction of a separate BMX park that would be located in the territory of Khalyk Arena. In total, the Federation plans to build 13 parks in all regions of Kazakhstan within the mass and children’s sport development program. Such parks will allow children, teenagers, and adults to train in safe and well-equipped places.

“I am glad that we are resuming cycling development in Kazakhstan. It will be performed with the focus on children’s and mass sport. We want to return young people from the streets to playgrounds, give talented boys and girls an opportunity to develop by creating the best conditions for that. We are open to sponsors interested in the development of these sports,” noted Nurlan Smagulov.