local organisers to attract top international events to the city, and to support their longer term bids to stage the BMX World Champs again in 2015, and the mountainbike World Champs in 2013.
Just as important is the solid track record that the region has in hosting top level international cycling events, given the serious intentions to bid for the Olympic Games in 2020. The UCI vote in that process is vital, and the recent successes in hosting road, BMX and MTB events in KwaZulu-Natal will be of great significance.
"These two events are critical in terms of Cycling South Africa's 2020 vision," said Cycling SA's president Greg Till. "They are building blocks of paramount importance as we develop this reputation of being a world class player."
"The BMX Worlds last year was a high point for me personally," he added. "The UCI sets very high standards, and when they come to you after an event like that, in awe, and unashamedly say that it was the best ever, it leaves you feeling very proud. It was spectacular, and beyond my wildest expectations."
"It creates a strong desire to return," said Till. "We saw that in the recent Tour of South Africa. These events not only give the country good exposure but they also give our local riders exposure to competition at the highest level, which is vital."
Till added that the recent successes had a lot to do with the support from the public in the region. "Pietermaritzburg seems to be perfectly placed for events like this. The people are passionate, proud of their city, and their enthusiasm creates the atmosphere at these events that makes them unforgettable."
"The economic impact of events like this is profound," he added. "From the feedback we have been getting the spin-offs have been massive for businesses in Pietermaritzburg and the whole region. This hasn't just been restricted to businesses close to the cycling industry either, everyone seems to get a piece of the action."
Till stressed that the desire to host the Olympic Games hinged on showing a capability and a passion to host the events. "It's one thing being clinically competent, but when you see the passion from the people attending the events in Pietermaritzburg, it becomes special. People open their homes and send out the clear message : Welcome. That counts for a lot."
The UCI BMX Supercross takes place at Alexandra Park on 8 and 9 April. More information can be found at www.bmxworldcupsa.co.za
Pietermaritzburg ready to host two major international cycling events in April
Mar 10, 2011
Read 3006 times
Pietermaritzburg will be the focus of worldwide sporting attention in April when it hosts two major international cycling events, as part of an ongoing strategy to cement the region as a top class venue for world championship events in BMX, mountainbike and road cycling disciplines. On 8 and 9 April the UCI BMX Supercross presented by Swatch will be staged at Alexandra Park in the city, bringing the top 150 male and female BMX riders in the world to compete in the brand new stadium built on the banks of the Dusi river. The event has massive significance as it is a full Olympic qualification event and the first World Cup event of the 2011 season. Pietermaritzburg hosted the UCI BMX World Championships at the Royal Showgrounds last year, and garnered praise for the slick organisation and world class facilities provided for the event, which attracted a massive global television audience.
The event is part of a concerted effort by Cycling South Africa and
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.