AN Olympic-standard velodrome could be built in York next year under ambitious new plans.

The University of York is looking at building the venue at York Sport Village, it has been revealed.A university spokesman confirmed that it was in discussions with British Cycling over funding for a 250 metre outdoor velodrome, likely to cost around £1million.

He said the proposal was for an Olympic- distance track on a custom-made “proprietary surface”. It is hoped it will be completed next year, in the same year as the Tour de France passes through the city.

“The aspiration is to have it completed in 2014,” said the spokesman.

“Because it is an outdoor track it can be built relatively quickly and with no huge construction costs involved. But it is too early to give guarantees, or even aspirations, that it will be built in time for the Tour de France.”

Funding plans are still in the early stages but the university is likely to match any contribution British Cycling gives, said the spokesman.

The velodrome would be open to the public, the university has confirmed, and would be used for both training and specific events, but there are no plans for spectator facilities or grandstands.

City of York Council has not had a hand in funding the velodrome, but has welcomed the plans as a significant addition to the city’s sporting scene.

Coun Sonja Crisp, cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: “For a city where cycling is deeply embedded and celebrated in local culture, more world-class competitive options for our two-wheeled talent to develop and shine are an important part of the city’s Olympic and Tour de France legacy, as well as for the health and wellbeing of our cyclists.”

The university spokesman said: “The velodrome will be the only one of its type in Yorkshire and in the year the Tour de France comes to York, it will be a superb addition to the city’s sports facilities. The development underscores the university’s commitment to the health and well-being of the York community.”