The proposed Chris Hoy Velodrome for Glasgow鈥檚 Commonwealth Games in 2014 has been hit by the departure of a key cycle track specialist from the project, writes Dan Stewart.
The 拢72m velodrome and stadium, which is to be named after triple Olympic gold medallist Hoy, has been designed by 3D Reid and Sports Concepts.
But this week it emerged that Ron Webb, the specialist engineer who helped design velodrome tracks for the Sydney and Athens Olympics, has left the project before construction begins.
Webb, a former Australian cycling champion, has been involved in the design of nearly every significant professional velodrome built in the past 40 years.
He has also been assisting the Hopkins Architects team that is designing the velodrome for the 2012 Olympics, the latest designs for which were launched this week by Hoy.
Culture and Sport Glasgow, the council body overseeing the Commonwealth velodrome, did not wish to comment on Webb鈥檚 departure, but sources close to the scheme cited 鈥渃ontractual issues鈥� as the cause.
3D Reid and Sports Concepts did not wish to comment; Webb was unavailable for comment.
Webb鈥檚 departure comes as the city council prepares to put the project out to tender. HBG, Laing O鈥橰ourke, Balfour Beatty and Morrison are among those believed to be considering a bid.
The 4,000-seat velodrome, also known as the National Indoor Sports Arena, will be the new home for Scottish cycling and will host all the track cycling events for the 2014 Games.
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