Training at the Tommy Givan Track, situated in Orangefield Park in east Belfast hasn't taken place since last September and with problems to access continuing to exist on one of only two track cycling venue's in Ireland, there is growing frustration among the 'trackie' community in Ulster.

'Orangefield' as it is commonly referred to is steeped in tradition and history. Since it was opened in 1957 it has been home to cyclists that have prepared for national and international track competition. While it was in Auckland, New Zealand in 1990 that Alastair Irvine won his bronze medal in the points race on the track at the Commonwealth Games, it was Orangefield where the North Down CC rider had learnt his trade under the watchful eye of mentors such as Morris Foster.

Big 'Mo' himself had won the 1962 All Ireland Individual Pursuit on the track when the Belfast venue was only in its infancy. While receiving his Honorary Life Membership to Cycling Ireland just a few weeks ago, Mo spoke about the track and the need for facilities to develop our young riders so as they can compete at a high level. Indeed as the resurgence of track cycling in Ireland has been taking place over the past decade, it is Orangefield that has been the backbone of the development of riders that have represented Ireland at international level, including Sean Downey, who was instrumental in helping the country win it's first gold medal at the European Junior Track Championships in 2008.

Towards the end of last season, Orangefield hosted the All Ireland Junior Track Championships. The hard work in recent years by coaches such as Brian Cardy and Anthony Mitchell reaped its rewards with a clean sweep of the medals in the junior men's events for Ulster. In September the province competed in the UK School Games, again several riders who had spent months preparing at Orangefield were placed in the top 10 in events against experienced opposition who had been training on the indoor velodromes in Manchester and Newport.

On a Tuesday night throughout the summer months and on certain Sunday afternoons during the entire year if you visit Orangefield you will find young cyclists learning the art of riding a fixed wheel, followed by experienced riders from across the province and sometimes further afield who are honing their skills and fitness for high level competition.

The hard work of the riders and volunteers is on hold at present due to problems in using the track. Meetings among the relevant parties over the winter months including representatives of the Cycling Ulster Track Commission have failed to resolve the issues as the football season continues to take place in the soccer area in the centre of the track.

The Cycling Ulster Executive wishes to ensure members that "we are doing all we can to resolve these issues as soon as possible".