The Amoranto Velodrome and Why We Need More of It

It is undeniable that the cycling culture in the country is expanding – bike shops are being planted in different spots, the access to track bikes and their components became easier than ever, groups and organizations are being formed, and local cycling blogs come to life. It can’t also be denied, however, that there is a lack of places for enthusiasts to enrich this passion, in spite of this obvious culture boom. In other words, unlike other countries such as Japan which invest on velodromes for cyclists to actually enjoy and utilize, the Philippines barely has any cycling track around. In fact, there is only one found in the country: the Amoranto Velodrome. Sadly, apart from the lack, this sole cycling track is also inaccessible most of the time – it was said that, on regular days, the velodrome is closed for runners and, hence, cyclists are not allowed to experience the place. It usually opens for cyclists around noon when it is too hot and, therefore, inconvenient for them to ride. Cyclists are, then, pushed to call for the government and agencies concerned to up their efforts in catering to the emergence of the fixed-gear culture, starting with the accessibility of the only velodrome in the country.

Photos by Lance Manuel and Full Story on The Breakaway