April 28/11 12:33 pm - World Class BMX Track for Abbotsford

Posted by Editoress on 04/28/11
 

Canadian BMX Riders to Benefit from World-Class Super Cross Course in Abbotsford

Course to be built to UCI World Cup standards

The Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) has entered into a unique partnership with B2ten, Cycling BC, the Abbotsford BMX Club, the City of Abbotsford and the Canadian Sport Centre Pacific to build a World class permanent BMX Super Cross course meeting International standards in Abbotsford, BC.

The track will be cutting edge, becoming the first Super Cross (SX) track in Canada where top BMX riders will be able to compete and train for upcoming World Cup events, World Championships and Olympic Games.

Tory Nyhaug, Canada’s up-and-coming BMX star and multiple age group UCI World Champion, is thrilled about this new venture. “I'm excited that we are getting a world class track to train on.  This is critical for World Cup preparations, especially with the Olympic Games right around the corner."

“We are pleased that the stakeholders have come together to form this agreement,” said Greg Mathieu, CEO and Secretary General of the Canadian Cycling Association. “This is a significant milestone for cycling in Canada and for the sport of BMX.  Currently there is no place in Canada for our BMX athletes to train Super Cross efficiently. With this new partnership and facility, we will now be able to inspire future champions.”

The start area of the track – one of the most important aspects of a race – will be built according to Olympic standards. The construction of the track and all of its features, set to begin imminently, is scheduled to be completed before the UCI Class 4 & 5 events being held on June 4-5, 2011 in Abbotsford, BC.

The $130,000 cost of the project was substantially underwritten by B2ten along with the Canadian Sport Centre Pacific and the Abbotsford BMX Cycling Club.

The Abbotsford BMX Cycling Club will be responsible to build, maintain and operate the track for the next 20 years, as well as hosting international events, such as World Cups, in collaboration with Cycling BC and the CCA. The City of Abbotsford will provide track access to the club.

“This is a fantastic step forward for BMX in Canada. Abbotsford BMX and the entire Province of British Columbia is proud to have this opportunity to participate in the creation of world-class athletes, and  the facilities to underpin their efforts,” said Steve Baxter, president of the Abbotsford BMX Club.

Courtesy CCA