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www.wangarattachronicle.com.au
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FRIDAY, April 12, 2024
Weekend Edition $1.80 INC. GST
Driver receives prison time for death of cyclist
LEND A HELPING HAND RHONDA and Peter Lewis from The Salvation Army Wangaratta Corps are calling for the community to volunteer in the 60th Red Shield Appeal. ■ Story page 5. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
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Retiring surgeon reflects on his rewarding career
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Clarke’s welcome return in big match for Magpies
Sport
WHEELS IN MOTION Wangaratta g Cy Cycling gC Club has hopes p ffor ffacilityy it believes would benefi fit region g
A GREENFIELD cycling facility in Wangaratta would not only cater for the city’s cycling club, but could have a significant impact on visitor numbers to the district, according to Wangaratta Cycling Club president Paul Somerville. Mr Somerville said the
BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au
club had plans to establish a new base close to the Wangaratta Saleyards, and was hopeful of seeing progress in coming years.
He described as “decrepit” the existing velodrome track at the Wangaratta Showgrounds, which has long been highlighted as an ageing piece of sports infrastructure in the city. “We are also getting squeezed out by football clubs’ training regimes, as
well as by cricket in summer, and there are not an awful lot of other cycling facilities,” Mr Somerville said. “There is a real untapped demand for facilities for kids’ cycling in Wangaratta. “The velodrome is not suitable for racing or carnivals anymore, and even if
council spent money at the showgrounds, because of the issues with access we would still only be able to use the velodrome for one night a week over summer; you can’t run a program like that.” Instead, the club would like to see a mountain bike skills park established at
GRAND OPENING BUTCHERS ON VINCENT
the saleyards, which Mr Somerville said could become a major bike tourism drawcard. “We want something which would be able to be used at all times by the club and the community,” he said. ■ Continued page 2