The Marian University cycling team trains at the Lake Sullivan Sports Complex, which is owned by the city of Indianapolis. The complex is near campus and the institution has hosted numerous cycling events at the Major Taylor Velodrome, including track national championships.
Marian University recently began preliminary discussions with the city of Indianapolis about the future of the Lake Sullivan Sports Complex, located near the campus. Specifically, the university is interested in managing and operating the facilities at Lake Sullivan, including the Major Taylor Velodrome, BMX track, skate park, and rugby green. The park will remain open to the public as it always has been.
Marian University needs the help of the cycling community to bring new excitement and energy to the entire Lake Sullivan Sports Complex. Please contact Bob Golobish at rwgolobish@marian.edu with questions and comments.
Lake Sullivan Sports Complex
The Lake Sullivan Sports Complex is a wheel oriented (track cycling, BMX cycling, skateboarding) athletic facility. Connected to downtown via a greenway known as the White River Wapahani Trail, and to the
north via the Central Canal Towpath, the complex could be a hub of alternative wheel activity for Indianapolis. The heart of the complex is the Major Taylor Velodrome. Built in 1982, the velodrome has a rich history of hosting numerous national and international competitions, including the 1987 Pan American Games. The 333 1/3 meter track is smooth concrete with 28 degree banking in the turns.
 |
Key
- Parking lots
- Offices
- Velodrome bleachers
- Major Taylor Velodrome
- BMX track seating
- BMX track
- Skateboard park
|
Marian University Cycling
The Marian University cycling team is an 11-time national championship winning team; they have won the Division 1 collegiate track cycling national championship 11 times in the last 14 years. The varsity program consists of 25 cyclists from six states. They compete locally, regionally, and nationally under the leadership of head coach Dean Peterson and assistant coaches Curtis Tolson and Jeff Hopkins. Peterson is an nationally known competitive cyclists who races for the Indianapolis-based Zipp factory team and is owner of the coaching consulting firm DAPGEAR. Tolson is a multi-national cycling champion and has produced the most wins on the track in Major Taylor velodrome history. Hopkins is a former world champion in track cycling and is currently directing the Dick Lane Velodrome in Atlanta. Georgia. Every spring, the college hosts the Midwest Cycling Classic, one of the biggest criterium races of the collegiate season.
Marian University's Vision
-
A Hub of Alternative Wheeled Sports
The Lake Sullivan Sports Complex is unique, offering alternative wheel oriented (track cycling, BMX cycling, skateboarding) athletic opportunities. Connected to downtown via the greenway, White River Wapahani Trail and to the north via the Central Canal Towpath, the Complex could be a hub of alternative wheel activity.
For track cycling enthusiasts and cycling competitors, the Complex will provide a place to race and ride the track from spring to fall in a variety of programs for riders of all levels. With the completion of the interior road system to create a criterium road course, road and cyclocross cyclists can engage in practice races and clinics on an interior paved ¾ mile loop throughout the spring and summer.
-
A Center for Year-Round Fitness Activities
Year round fitness programs and camps for youths, teens, and adults will become the foundation of activities within track, road, and BMX cycling programs (all Olympic disciplines) for all levels of riders. The complex also allows the Indianapolis community to come to walk, run, or ride on an external perimeter loop of approximately two miles. Combined with the Marian University EcoLab, a walking/hiking trail of almost five miles will be available.
-
An Alternative Transportation Hub
The complex can be used to support a Park and Ride program. A cycling commuter has the option to park at the Complex and bike downtown, or to ride from as far north as Carmel to downtown Indianapolis stopping at the Velodrome for water or bathroom facilities. After-work spin classes and POWER BOOSTER classes will be offered at the nearby Marian University Cycling Center.
-
A Center for Sustainable Living
The complex can be used to provide unique alternative physical education field trip fitness experiences coupled with high quality environmental education programming at the Marian University EcoLab to promote fitness education, environmental education, and overall green living. Summer camps designed to encourage healthy living also will be offered for urban K-12 students.
-
A Neighborhood Community Center
The complex can also host concerts, movies, corporate retreats, and special events, charity walk/run events, festivals, etc. Rugby, soccer, and other teams can continue to use the complex. Drum Corps International will use it for a practice field. The parking lot will continue to be used for satellite parking for Penrod, the Indiana State Fair, the Indianapolis 500, and other community events.
