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A resolution to save Minnesota's only velodrome was rejected Thursday by the board in charge of the Blaine bicycle racing track.

During its board meeting, the National Sports Center Foundation (NSCF), which operates the velodrome and several other facilities on its sports campus, debated a plan that set financing goals for the Friends of Velodrome Racing in Minnesota, a group that has been fundraising to keep the velodrome up and running, according to a news release.

The sharply banked, Olympic-caliber racing track, built in 1990, already has survived beyond its expected 20-year life span. The outdoor 250-meter wooden track has gotten by with volunteers making minor repairs each racing season, but checks on the velodrome this year revealed more serious problems.

The preliminary cost estimate to make the temporary repairs was $75,000 and, if successful, would have kept the track racing program going for a projected four to six more years. The resolution required that a licensed contractor be engaged and that liability insurance be secured. After that period, the velodrome would have been decommissioned.

After discussion, the NSCF board voted not to approve the resolution, but some board members said that if significant outside financial support could be found, the velodrome could be reopened.

The velodrome draws the fewest number of competitors and fans of all of the amateur sports supported by the NSCF, with about 190 riders and some 4,500 people attending this past season.

The NSCF board says it supports the efforts by the MN Cycling Center group, which wants to build an indoor velodrome at Shoreham Yards in northeast Minneapolis. That project is still in early planning and fundraising stages.

NICOLE NORFLEET