NEWPORT'S £7 million cycling velodrome (pictured) has passed its' biggest and most crucial inspection to date with flying colours.

The British Cycling Federation's general secretary Jim Hendry, the BCF's official track-measurer Donald Wiseman and facility designer Ron Webb were at the new Spytty Park circuit yesterday to run the rule over the new Welsh National Velodrome.

The track had to be absolutely spot on at 250 metres in length - not an inch shorter or longer - to be verified as of suitable standard to hold top level events.

And, after Wiseman had done his job, he confirmed to project chiefs that everything was ship shape, ensuring Newport will take its place as Wales' cycling capital.

Newport City Council's Hayden Ames, project manager for the Velodrome, said: "This is a special day.

Everything about the track has now been certified. To coin a phrase, it's inch perfect.

"We had some cyclists on the track after it was measured just to get feedback and they loved it. Everything has passed with flying colours."

And Welsh Cycling Union chairman Bill Owen, from Abergavenny, added: "It's another piece in the jigsaw. It's all part of the big plan."

The velodrome now faces another inspection when global officials from Union Cycling International arrive in Newport at the end of August to classify which major events the new track can host.

A stage of the European Derny Championships - the major continental winter event - has already been pencilled in. The tournament is rated as the fastest racing of its kind and involves a rider following a motorcycle.

The popular championships are watched by thousands of cycling fans people all over Europe. The top endurance men are expected to take part in the mid-November event, which has seen Tour de France riders compete.

It's due to be the third big cycling event to visit Newport after the National Road Race Championships and the National Criterrium Championships.