KUALA LUMPUR: Plans to breathe new life into the historic Velodrome Rakyat in Ipoh have been unveiled, with the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) revealing intentions to install a new cycling track and a basic roofing structure to protect the facility.
This was shared by MNCF president Dato’ Amarjit Singh Gill during an audience with the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, at Istana Perak in Kuala Lumpur earlier today.
These long-awaited upgrades aim to bring the nearly 40-year-old venue up to international standards, potentially allowing Perak to once again host regional and global cycling events.
The national cycling body is currently preparing the necessary proposals to submit to the Federal Government to secure the funding required to turn this initiative into a reality.
The move comes after months of uncertainty regarding the future of the outdoor velodrome. Built in 1989 through public donations, the facility has suffered significant degradation, with its wooden track deteriorating due to prolonged exposure to the elements.
Previous repairs carried out by the Youth and Sports Ministry in 2015 have proven insufficient against the harsh weather, limiting training opportunities for national and grassroots athletes alike.
Last month, the MNCF indicated it was seeking a special audience with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to request a dedicated allocation for the restoration, following stalled discussions regarding maintenance responsibilities between the state government and the Youth and Sports Ministry.
During today’s audience, Amarjit—who also serves as Asian Cycling Confederation president and UCI vice president —provided a wider briefing to Sultan Nazrin on the state of Malaysian cycling.
Amarjit highlighted the encouraging progress of national riders on the international stage and discussed ongoing development initiatives, including the establishment of the World Cycling Centre in Johor Bahru.
Additionally, Amarjit briefed the Sultan on the upcoming UCI Track World Cup 2026 (Final Round), which will be held at the National Velodrom in Nilai from April 24-26. This event marks a historic return of the Track World Cup to Malaysia after a 25-year hiatus.
Reflecting on the support received from the Perak Palace, Amarjit said: “It is indeed a privilege to present the progress and future direction of Malaysian cycling to His Royal Highness.”
“The achievements of our riders and the steady development of the sport reflect the collective efforts of all stakeholders. With continued support, we are confident that Malaysia will continue to rise as a strong force in world cycling,” he added.