Could an Isle of Man TT money-maker undermine the island’s bid for sporting glory in next year’s Commonwealth Games?
That’s the claim from the chairman of the Isle of Man Athletics Association as it emerged there are plans to erect a TT campsite at the NSC again next year.
David Pryke says this will mean training facilities for track and field athletes will be restricted just one month before they represent the island at the Commonwealth Games – and argued this could damage their prospects in what will be the biggest sporting event of their lives.
The campsite provides five-figure revenue for the cash-strapped Department of Community, Culture and Leisure.
But the DCCL insisted the Manx Harriers and Commonwealth Games Association had both been consulted and given their backing – and while access to the running track will be limited during the TT, training sessions could still be arranged in advance.
Earlier this year, Mr Pryke urged athletes to object to plans for a tented village on the infield within the running track – arguing it would affect training in the build-up to the Island Games. German motorcycle tyre manufacturer Metzeler provided free tents at the campsite to its customers as part of its 150th anniversary celebrations.
Now Mr Pryke, who is a committee member of the island’s CGA, claims the 2014 TT campsite will hit preparations for the Glasgow Games taking place in July and August.
He said: ‘Offering restricted access to the track and field facilities during this period, one month before our athletes turn out to represent the island in what for all of them will be the biggest sporting event of their lives, can only be damaging for their prospects. Income from the campsite is more important than helping our athletes prepare for the Commonwealth Games.’
However, the DCCL said income generated from the campsite is ploughed back into local sport.
A spokesman said: ‘The department makes significant investment in local sport both in terms of infrastructure and Isle of Man Sport grants such as the £15,000 awarded to IOM CGA to help with preparation for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
‘Whilst we appreciate that the TT campsite limits access to the running track, with pre-arrangement and by working with local athletics clubs, specific training sessions on the track will be arranged.
‘The main user group for athletics, Manx Harriers, were consulted prior to planning being sought and have already confirmed that they will work with the department during this period. The IOM CGA were also consulted prior to planning and were supportive of proposals.
‘As the department explained during this year’s festival, the TT is traditionally a very quiet period for the NSC. Without the TT campsite, track revenue was in the region of £500.
‘The sponsor’s campsite generates five-figure revenue and as was proven this year, the hirer looked after the facility extremely well and no complaints were received from sporting bodies. This revenue provides a large investment in local sport and helps to contribute to the international reputation of the TT festival, NSC and Isle of Man.
‘Similar concerns were raised by the IOM Athletics Association during TT 2013 prior to the NatWest Island Games and the performance of athletes was such that the Isle of Man topped the medal table for the first time since 1989. This was testament to the quality and dedication of our athletes as well as the years of hard work and investment from everyone within the island’s sporting community.
‘During TT 2014, similar arrangements for track access and alternative facilities will be in place and athletes competing in the Commonwealth Games will be well catered for their training needs.
‘Isle of Man athletes have access to world class facilities at the NSC and regional venues all year round and have done for many years. This access to unparalleled training facilities is the platform to allow our competitors to thrive in international competition.’