THE wheels are in motion for the region's first velodrome to be built in Kingsteignton. Plans for a state of the art outdoor cycling facility have been given a financial boost from Devon County Council and British Cycling, which have each put up £500,000. The project is now set to form part of the county's £20 million centre of excellence facility, in Kingsteignton, which was unveiled by the authority last year. The proposed banked circuit aims to help serious sports cyclists training for international competitions, while also giving the less experienced an opportunity to develop their skills. Andy Parker, a resident and chairman of the Mid-Devon Cycling Club, based in Kingsteignton, was thrilled at the news. 'It would be wonderful to see a future Olympic cycling star emerging from the training received in our velodrome,' he said. 'There is no facility of this type anywhere near Devon – the closest being more than 100 miles away,' added Mr Parker, who recently had to travel to Wales with the cycling club to use top level facilities in Newport. Kingsteignton's county councillor John Smith said: 'I am really delighted that we can extend the range of our sports provision in the region with this project. 'Planning and discussions with landowners is well under way – all the early signs are really promising.' The exact location has yet to be decided, although the authority's preferred site is at Newcross, near Teign School, on land which already has planning permission for a sports centre. Ken Robertson, regional secretary for British Cycling, said: 'This is obviously a very important development for the south west and it will give British cycling the opportunity to develop a range of different cycling skills including cross country and road racing, as well competitive use of a banked track.' He added: 'It will also complement BMX and cross country facilities in the area.'