It was fitting Darrell Wheeler was the one to ride the first lap at Dubbo Cycle Club's new start-of-the-art precinct.
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The local legend took to the track at the River Street facility last Thursday night to complete the first official lap, as applause rang out from a horde of other club members.
It was the first night of action at the track since the switch from the site at No. 1 Oval, while the first official night of racing was held on Tuesday night.
That marked the beginning of a new era, as riders took to the track to test out the facility before this weekend's all-important NSW Junior Cycling Championships and Dubbo Open Carnival.
Wheeler will be in action there, looking to continue the type of stellar performances which saw him given the honour of riding the first lap at the new precinct.
"It was [special]. Everyone clapped and cheered and it was not something I was expecting," he said of the first lap.
"I spent 61 years riding at the other track so it was quite a different feeling."
Echoing the views of most in the cycling community, Wheeler said in an ideal world the club would still race at Victoria Park No. 1 given the history at the track.
"But things change and nothing stays the same," he added.
"It's different but it's good to be there and be able to ride it.
"Hopefully can can train some more champions out of there."
Some of the teething problems, the likes of which are endured at any relocation, were seen on Tuesday night.
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The competition had to end early because the wind and dust affected safety to the point that racing had to be cancelled.
It is hoped that the turf being laid at the moment, along with future plantings, will ensure issues like that don't continue to be a problem.
But despite all that, there is a huge amount of positives for the club.
The amenities and clubhouse will provide a huge boost for local and visiting riders, while the addition of a criterium track is another real plus.
"The facilities and the clubhouse, that's a real bonus," Wheeler said.
The precinct will get its first major hit-out this weekend when more than 100 riders arrive for the junior championships.
While all Dubbo junior riders will be hoping to perform well at their new track Emily Hines and Cooper Farr will be looking to add to their medal tally with strong performances. Hines is a consistent strong performer at state level and this will be her last track competition before stepping up an age group next year.
The Open Carnival has also attracted strong fields. The local division one riders are some of the best in the country and they are sure to put up strong showings and with riders from Sydney, Canberra and Darwin entering it will be an entertaining evening.
The women's field is full of stars. Dubbo's own national under 19 road champion Haylee Fuller will be joined by NSW elite road champion Simone Grounds as they look to claim honours against Canadian elite kieran champion Lizanne Fox, under 19 Oceania sprint champion Kalinda Robinson and national under 17 sprint champion Tyler Puzicha.
Adding to the event is the ability, for the first time, to host a criterium event on the Sunday morning. Utilising the new, purpose built criterium track senior riders will compete for the honour of being the first Dubbo Open Criterium champion, while the junior riders are completing their state championships on the neighbouring velodrome.
The NSW Junior Championships starts at 2pm on Sunday while the Open Carnival begins at 4pm.
