THE fine weather is helping keep construction of the UK’s biggest competition pump track on target for completion at Rhayader.

The work is planned to be completed by the end of August when an opening ceremony will take place.

The project is the result of a partnership between Rhayader Sports Association and Rhayader Town Council, with help from various partners and one of the track designers Arran Cartwright said: “It is likely to be the biggest track in the UK to date and the UK’s first split track sprint race pump track. The best in Wales, possibly the UK!”

The work is being carried out by Clark and Kent Contractors whose work includes the building of the London Olympic 2012 track.

The track has been funded through Welsh Government via the Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme, Powys County Council, Laura Ashley Foundation and The National Lottery Community Fund.

It is hoped that the track will vastly improve leisure facilities for local people of all ages including those learning to ride and also encourage many visitors to the town.

Town Councillor Rhys Thomas said: “The project has been in the planning stage for nearly five years, it was important to offer a leisure activity to the people of the town and increase the footfall of visitors, who are instrumental in keeping the high streets thriving. I think we really are the biking capital of Wales now – and with this addition – probably in the UK, we have something for everyone.’

Powys County Councillor and chair of the Rhayader and District Sports and Recreation Association Kelvyn Curry said: “We wanted to design something that was unique, but we didn’t realise that we would be in a position to claim the biggest pump track in the UK. We hope that this will be a great draw for the community as well as our visitors to the area. People in Rhayader should be proud to have such an asset.”