A VELODROME which forms part of a £50m plan to overhaul Derby's leisure venues could be used for training by Olympic stars, according to British Cycling's performance director.

Ilkeston's Dave Brailsford said the proposed track would be "a great location" for Team GB to use.

Mr Brailsford guided Britain's cycling team, featuring stars like Chris Hoy, to 14 medals – including eight golds – at the 2008 Olympics.

He said Derby would be a useful addition to the UK's other tracks, especially those in Manchester and Newport.

He said: "Ahead of a major competitions all the team will get together and train.

"The GB Cycling Team often holds training camps at velodromes other than Manchester – for the Olympics we trained in Newport. Derby is a great location for us to consider."

Mr Brailsford said the team's up-and-coming stars would also benefit from the new track.

He said: "The younger riders in our academy and development squads, who are based in the Midlands, will also benefit from having a regional facility to train at – it will mean they don't have to travel such long distances.

"The presence of velodromes in both Manchester and Newport has directly contributed to the creation of Olympic medallists from both those areas.

"As a local resident I would love to see the same rise in popularity and talent development in cycling of all disciplines in the Derby area."

The velodrome would have a 250m indoor cycling track and sports courts, which could convert to a 3,000-to-4,000-seat concert hall or exhibition centre.

It would be one of two sporting "hubs" being created in Derby under an overhaul of leisure venues in the city

The other would be a 50m swimming pool which could also nurture future Olympic champions.

Four smaller sports centres in the north, south, east and west of the city – at sites yet to be chosen – would also be created and work could get under way in 2011-2.

Councillor Joe Naitta, city council cabinet member for leisure and culture, said the cost of the plans was significant but existing centres were "nearing the end of their lives and would cost a lot to refurbish".

The University of Derby has backed the scheme, saying it would attract the country's top sporting talent to study in the city.

Sports clubs from across the city have also voiced support, along with Derby's opposition Labour and Tory leaders.