“We already have the evidence that preparation on a supercross track has proven more successful for us,” said Bootes.
The sport of BMX has increased in profile internationally since its inclusion as an Olympic sport in Beijing in 2008. BMX Australia has also had unprecedented growth at the grass roots level with membership jumping up by 20 percent in some states.
The announcement also comes with the start of the National Sign on Day with Queensland clubs dodging the wet weather to host their “Come and Try” sessions.
BMX has received another boost with the announcement today by the Minister for Sport, Mr Phil Reeves, that construction of a world class Supercross track will be built in Brisbane’s south. The $ 1.5 million facility will be the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere and will be built at the Sleeman Sports Complex later this year. The track will feature a three story high or 8 metre start ramp which will launch riders onto the 350 – 400m. Riders will reach speeds of up to 60 km/h with 10 metre jumps on some sections. According to Reeves the BMX facility shows the State Government’s commitment to making the Chandler complex a hub for the local community and also for elite athletes.
National BMX coach, Wade Bootes said the venue would help to raise Australia’s chances at the international World Cup Supercross events and in turn improving our chances of getting maximum riders at the London Olympics in 2012.
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.