TiMARU could again be an international venue for speed skating if coach Bill Begg has his way.

Begg is hoping to bring two rounds of the new Asianic Inline Cup to the South Island and revive the Tour of Timaru.

The 62-year-old has been appointed as an executive consultant to the new skating organisation which is proposing marathon races throughout Asia and eventually extending into Australasia.

Begg, who grew up in Timaru, will be involved in designing the courses and rules.

The men backing it are keen for the exposure and bringing a couple of rounds to New Zealand would fit perfectly, he said.

"Because of the history and strong new support base for skating, Timaru would be ideal.

"A great course could be set up in the central business district and Christchurch's Ruapuna raceway would be perfect for a second marathon."

Begg leaves Timaru for Singapore today to further his discussions.

"I'm hoping we may be able to bring an event here in mid January next year with an international class field."

Between the two marathons Begg hopes to rekindle a mini-tour taking skaters to possibly Waimate and Geraldine, as well as night racing on the Caroline Bay track.

"It will back to basics in terms of looking for billets for the majority of skaters, but that won't be a problem with a new keen bunch coming through."

The Begg family have rekindled interest in inline skating with Cheryl and former world champion Nicole regularly coaching on Sundays at the Bay.

The young new of crop skaters have already met with success and Begg believes a couple have the chance to go on to compete internationally.

"We also have an enthusiastic group of parents that have already had a huge tidy-up of the rink and clubrooms the first in 20 years with more planned."

Begg said one thing that would need to be done was the resurfacing of the track, which had been damaged by tree roots.

"I'd like to meet the clown that decided to plant Australian gum trees around the Loop Rd."

He was the main instigator of Caroline Bay facility almost 40 years ago.

Begg said he had approached the Timaru District Council about the problem and received a positive response.

"I prepared a report so they know exactly what needs to be done, the roots are a health and safety problem."

The track would need to be re-laid rather than patched and a new special coating put on top, he said.

Begg has spent the past four years coaching the German and Swiss national teams.

This year he has been contracted to spend 40 weeks coaching coaches in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and China.

"They are all keen to challenge Korea's dominance, which is a world powerhouse in the sport."

Skaters in Korea were instantly recognised and could earn up to US$100,000 a year, Begg said. "They keep it in-house only Korean skaters are allowed in their competitions."

The new Asianic Inline Cup may start to spread the talent base wider, he said.

"Inline skating is one of the fastest-growing sports in Asia."

Begg will also attend the World Games in July in Taipei where the Federation Internationale de Roller Sports hopes again to press for admittance to the Olympic Games.