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This article was published on Sunday, 30 September, 2018. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

UCI BMX Supercross World Cup comes to Shepparton

The opening rounds of the 2020 UCI BMX Supercross World Cup will be held on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 February. This will be one of the last major BMX events before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with qualifying points still occurring.

Over 3,000 people are expected to attend the event with around 2,000 visitors expected to be coming from intrastate, interstate and internationally. Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Kim O’Keeffe said hosting the UCI BMX World Cup Supercross rounds in 2020 is a fantastic coup for Greater Shepparton as this event further enhances our reputation as a leading major sporting event destination in regional Australia.

“We are truly excited to be welcoming the world’s best female and male BMX athletes and an expected 3,000 plus visitors from across Australia and the world generating in excess of $1 million in economic stimulation for our region. This event will help to fill our city’s accommodation, our restaurants and eating establishments, our retail and tourism sectors to help keep local businesses busy and the economy strong,” said Cr O’Keeffe.

“In partnership with the Victorian Government and the Shepparton BMX Club we are just finishing our Greater Shepparton Regional BMX track upgrade in the Shepparton Sports City precinct which includes Victoria’s first 8 metre start hill, new track lighting for racing, junior development pumps track and new concrete berms.”

“Hosting these events really highlights the benefits of providing quality infrastructure and we look forward to watching the best riders from around the globe race right here in Shepparton on world class facilities, leaving a great legacy for our club to grow the sport in Victoria and for Shepparton to be seen as a mecca for BMX racing in Australia.”

“BMX World Cup Supercross events have been held in some of the most iconic destinations around the globe and as a host this is a tremendous honour for our city that we are extremely proud of and we can’t wait to showcase all the many great things we have to offer,” said Cr O’Keeffe.

“We would like to thank the UCI for having the faith in us and the Victorian Government, Cycling Australia and BMX Australia for helping partner with Council to secure this event to Shepparton and Victoria, we are looking forward to providing a welcoming environment and spectacular program of activities on and off the track for all our visitors.”

Minister for Sport John Eren said the Andrews Labor Government is proud to have locked in the event for Shepparton, thanks to funding from its Significant Sporting Events Program and Regional Events Fund.

"It will put the global spotlight on Shepparton, boost tourism and the local economy, and showcase the best of everything Victoria has to offer the rest of the world," Mr Eren said.

"Our Significant Sporting Events Program has supported more than 480 events since its introduction, half of which are held in regional Victoria."

Cycling Australia’s CEO, Steve Drake said “we're very excited to see the announcement of a BMX World Cup in Australia. Without the support and encouragement of Greater Shepparton City Council, events like this wouldn't be possible. We're also excited that these events will be used as a qualifier for BMX riders in the lead-up to Tokyo 2020,” he said.

CEO of BMXA, Martin Shaw said “this announcement is a shot in the arm for BMX racing in Australia and something our community can be very proud of. The efforts of Greater Shepparton City Council to procure these world class events is to be applauded and is a just reward for the investment they have made in their wonderful facilities.”

For more information head to the Shepparton BMX World Cup website.