Cycling legend Hugh Porter among those dismayed after it emerges Birmingham 2022 track events will take place in London

Organisers have ruled out building a new or temporary indoor velodrome for the Commonwealth Games, meaning the hugely popular track cycling will instead take place at London’s Lee Valley Park.

The news has been greeted with disappointment by many in the Midlands cycling community, who believe a big opportunity has been missed.

Porter, who won Commonwealth gold on the track in 1966 and has commentated on countless Games for the BBC, said: “I’m obviously delighted Birmingham has at long last got a global sporting competition. It’s wonderful for the city and will be a great showcase for the area.

“But I cannot disguise my disappointment at the news track cycling will be held in London.

“I feel sorry for the athletes. For them it will not be the Birmingham Games, but the London Games. It won’t feel any different to any other cycling competition.”

A 4,000-seater swimming complex in Sandwell is the only new structure scheduled to be built ahead of the Games, which are expected to cost in the region of £750million. Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium, the venue for track and field events, will also be expanded and renovated.

Porter continued: “I cannot understand how they can account for the cost of a new swimming facility but not a velodrome.

“The Commonwealth Games should have been the perfect catalyst for leaving a legacy.”

Organisers are understood to have explored the possibility of building either a new or temporary velodrome, though neither option was deemed cost-effective.

Birmingham were awarded the Games after the original host city, Durban, was stripped of the event. The reduced planning time – five years rather than seven – has also been cited as a factor in the decision not to build a velodrome.

Derby is the closest city with an indoor velodrome but its 1,700-capacity was deemed too small, leaving only London or Manchester as alternative venues.

Dave Viner, chairman at Halesowen Cycling Club, said: “It is a profound disappointment for a lot of people. A big opportunity has been missed.

“I find it difficult to understand how a velodrome cannot be considered cost-effective.”