We come back to talk about the Spresiano velodrome and it is being talked about very promisingly, considering the increasingly pressing need for a new track cycling facility that can complement Montichiari and, above all, host major events. But according to the plans, the facility will be much more and, above all, much more usable than initially envisaged.
A story that began in the 1980s
Let's take a step back. The Treviso velodrome has been talked about for many years, even since the early 1980s, but in reality we had to wait until 1999 when the project was made official.In 2007, the construction of the plant was included in the then-current budget, with a budget of 27 million euros. It was supposed to be built in the Customs area, but in the meantime, a consortium led by Remo Mosole begins to propose Spresiano as an alternative to another proposal relating to San Vendemiano.
The choice comes in 2014 and Spresiano is the chosen oneAn administrative battle erupts, but the FCI Council's decision remains unchanged. The contract was awarded to Milan-based Pessina Costruzioni, with work starting in July 2018. The first stone was laid in September in the presence of Malagò and the then Undersecretary to the Presidency of the Council GiorgettiThe work was originally scheduled to take 18 months, but then the company's financial crisis hit and the project was put on hold. It's August 2019, everything stops and over time no one talks about it anymore.
Ownership of the plant in 70 years
So what's new? Actually, there's a lot. The one stirring things up is the Municipality of Spresiano who takes responsibility for the construction of the facility and is seeking funding. Starting with the good offices of the Mayor Marco Of the Stone with the Government, obtaining €28 million from the Ministry of Sport. The Region then signed a loan agreement with the Institute for Sports and Cultural Credit (ICSC) for a further investment, in addition to the other loan requested by the Municipality. In the meantime, Mosole has granted ownership of the land to the Municipality free of charge. who will become the direct owner of the plant in 70 years.
On the one hand, we will have to redo what has been done, considering that years have passed, but on the other hand, it is a question ofwork on a completely new project, which excites Della Pietra himself.
«Initially – he explains – the facility was supposed to be only for cycling, instead the idea is to make it a multi-sport facility, which could host, for example, international figure skating events but above all indoor athletics, another sport that requires a new, highly attractive facility. The facility will also be able to host team sports like basketball, volleyball, and roller hockey, although other facilities are already available in the area.
A benefit for the territory
The relaunch of the idea has found fertile ground in the area: «The citizens are definitely happy, appreciating the fact that the Municipality has taken a direct stand and indeed made it his own hobbyhorse, regardless of political affiliations. However, we we must not only think about the system itself: We also need to build all the infrastructure, such as the road, which will cost €1,5 million to connect the facility. We've also considered a 400-square-meter gym. It's a major investment, but we've calculated that the local economy will quickly recoup its benefits."
On this topic the Mayor's ideas are very clear: «Spresiano will become the center for major events, not only sporting ones, and will therefore bring many people to the city but also to the entire surrounding area.Logistics facilities, restaurants, cultural venues will benefit… Those who work in the cycling world know that distances are a relative factor and when you have a central location like a well-used velodrome, the whole area, in this case the Marca, can benefit from it».
Now the ball is in the FCI's court
Della Pietra already has a timetable in mind until the project is completed: "In the meantime, we have to wait for the appointment of the FCI president, but I know that a facility is good for Italian cycling, and so whoever is elected I think will be more than willing to support us. It will be up to the Federation to call for tenders for the works, but considering what already exists, I think that if we start in September, the final delivery of the plant could take place in 2027.The important thing is that the FCI conducts the tender in the most correct manner, so as to avoid any appeals. Moreover, I want to emphasize that the Government and the Region are contributing to this project with great care, and its implementation is completely outside of the PNRR funds. The money is there, now all that remains is to spend it quickly and wisely.
