At least three of the six contractors shortlisted to build the 拢40m Olympic velopark have pulled out of the bidding contest.

Shepherd Construction, Wates, and Alfred McAlpine have all ruled themselves out of contention. McAlpine pulled out before its takeover by Carillion.

Of the six contractors announced in September, this leaves FCC Construction, ISG InteriorExterior and Carillion as bidders for the combined velodrome and BMX park. It is also understood that a fourth bidder may have withdrawn.

Most firms said they were not bidding because of a lack of resources. A Wates spokesperson said: 鈥淲e are disappointed not to be in the position to bid for this, owing to customer commitments. Sports and leisure facilities aren鈥檛 core to our long-term strategy.鈥

Sports and leisure facilities aren鈥檛 core to our long-term
strategy

Wates spokesperson

One company cited the design鈥檚 complexity as a factor, saying: 鈥淭he roof is an innovative piece of engineering, but we could see we鈥檇 be drawn into interminable conversations about costing it.鈥

An Olympic Development Authority spokesperson said: 鈥淲e don鈥檛 give a running commentary during our confidential procurement process.鈥