A state-of-the-art outdoor cycle track will become the first of its kind in Scotland as construction nears completion.

The Fife Cycle Park is scheduled to open in early 2018, providing a 1.6km track to cyclists of all ages, and has been confirmed to host the 2018 Scottish Criterium Championships. It will be the first purpose-built, closed-loop cycle track in Scotland.

The circuit has a tarmac road, built to ‘A Road’ standard that allows for a full range of cycling activities to take place in a traffic-free environment all year round. The track will also be eligible for British Championship events.

Fife Council will foot the majority of the £2.4m (US$3.17m, €2.69m) bill, with £300,000 (US$395,746, €335,792) invested by sportscotland and £300,000 from the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund.

“The Fife Cycle Park’s closed road facilities are identified as a priority in Scottish Cycling’s Facilities Strategy for Cycling Development,” said Craig Burn, CEO of Scottish Cycling.

“They are fundamental in giving more opportunities for people to get on their bike and cycle in a safe environment.

“It will be perfect for hosting training sessions and events suitable for all ages, as well as being an ideal location for coach development.”

The park is situated close to to Fife’s most-visited outdoor attraction, Lochore Meadows Country Park, which is also home to Fife’s Outdoor Education Centre, and is expected to further benefit local tourism.

Kirsteen Torrance, Fife Council’s cycling development officer, told the Fife Free Press: “This project is six years in the making and has involved the community at every level.

“While built to British Cycling standard, every aspect of its design is focused on what the public have said they want from such a facility.

“The track will be all-inclusive in what it offers to the public and furthermore there will be no barriers to age or ability and certainly won’t be just another elite sports facility for the few.”

An events and sessions programme is now being scheduled, offering the facility to schools and cycle clubs in the area.