LEE VALLEY VELOPARK NEW SIGN ON AREA
Over the last few months you may have noticed some disruption at Lee Valley VeloPark rider sign on. The closure of the gym at the aquatic centre has resulted in the relocation of the facilities to Lee Valley VeloPark and the Copper Box arena. As a consequence, much of the regular space used for sign on, spectating and riders gathering to put numbers on before races, and list out excuses after, has now been lost.
This has actually presented us with a great opportunity to address some of the issues that we faced over the last 10 years of circuit events.
We have been working closely with the venue to come up with solutions that make the cyclists experience of the venue much better. Please take a moment to read through the below. Whilst it has taken some time to coordinate meetings, the venue management have been very open to our suggestions and acknowledging of the challenges we are facing with the changes.
LOCATION
After much consideration we believe we have come up with a solution that will benefit everyone. The new sign-on area will be inside the main building, accessed via entrance A on the east side of the venue (as pictured below). There are two routes to the new sign on location.
Being inside the venue, riders can benefit from easier access to the cafe and toilet facilities.
This new area will also allow riders to store their belongings safely whilst they race. Riders can still access the lockers and changing rooms downstairs by asking reception to open the gate but you will need to return to the upper concourse for race access..
Please DO NOT bring your bike into the venue.
ROUTE TO SIGN ON
ARRIVING BY CAR
Park at the far end of the car park and ride / walk up the pathway that runs alongside the circuit and starts to gently rise up towards the building.
ARRIVING BY BIKE
When riding towards reception, turn LEFT and ride around the building, this gently rises up and you will soon be able to see the start / finish area of the circuit, continue for 100m and the large doors will be open on your right hand side.
ACCESS TO THE CIRCUIT & WARMING UP
All rider access to the circuit will now take place through the gate pictured below. This is located directly outside of the sign on area. Riders will enter and exit through this gate and not via the concourse area. PLEASE NOTE, the gate is only 2 metres wide so we will coordinate riders getting on to and off the circuit for race change overs. Please keep the gate clear at all times, especially when leaving the circuit, move through the gate and keep moving to avoid congestion. PLEASE PAY particular attention to any signage and instructions given to you at sign on, by the marshals and in the commissaires briefing.
Riders wishing to warm up on rollers or turbo trainers, or simply congregate to chat, can use the right hand side of the walkway outside of the sign on area. Please do not block the walkway over the natural wear line that you can see that is exactly half of the width, this will still be a public thoroughfare.
Being inside the venue, riders can benefit from easier access to the cafe and toilet facilities.
This new area will also allow riders to store their belongings safely whilst they race. Riders can still access the lockers and changing rooms downstairs by asking reception to open the gate but you will need to return to the upper concourse for race access..
SPECTATORS
If spectators wish to watch racing from the sign on area there is a clear view of the circuit overlooking the BMX track. Spectators looking to watch the finish can exit the building and walk around the walkway to the spectator area overlooking the finish. Being higher up gives spectators a clear view of the finish line, one of the biggest issues faced if watching from the concourse level. Access to the concourse level will still be possible via the stairs indicated on the image below. In time a seating area will be placed in the spectator area giving anyone watching a chance to sit and enjoy the racing.
