Michiel Ruland, chairperson of E.S.A.V. Asterix, says the likelihood of the association having to manage without a track in Eindhoven for a full year cannot be ruled out. "Initially, the track was due for completion in early September, but for various reasons it is taking much longer."

At first it was decided that the subsurface could support a new track, explains Ruland. "But the inspection revealed that the layer of asphalt, which was already thirty years old, was too porous to cover with a rubber track. In addition, a whole week of sufficient warmth was needed to apply the rubber."

At the end of October Asterix was still feeling optimistic but, says Ruland, an error was made when the new layer of asphalt was laid, and it buckled. "On public highways that's what it is supposed to do, but it's disastrous on a running track. And so the track failed the inspection for a second time. In a worst case scenario, uneven asphalt can cause injuries.”

Inexperienced contractor

According to the association, a large part of these problems are due to the contractor's lack of experience and expertise. “To our minds, the municipality hired an experienced contractor. This explains why the track is being worked on by someone who has never laid a layer like this before.”

For the time being, until the weather improves, no renovation work can be carried out. The municipality of Eindhoven has now announced that the track will not open before May. Until that happens, the association will be training in Best.

The problems with the track throw a spanner in the works for Asterix. Even though the athletes are welcome in Best, for many students it is a long way to travel and the fuel expenses for transport to and from the training sessions are costly. The association is currently paying these costs out of its own pocket. “At the moment we are discussing how we can claim compensation from the municipality."