Olympic BMX training track opens at UCI headquarters

Jun 01, 2007

Written by Bart de Jong

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The UCI is pleased to announce the opening of the newly reconstructed BMX track at the World Cycling Centre in Aigle, Switzerland. The UCI track construction team, under the leadership of official UCI track builder Tom Ritzenthaler, has created a replica of the 2008 Olympic Games track. With the help of the official suppliers; Caterpillar Rental Store, Layher© scaffolding, Pro-Gate© and Murphy Productions Inc, the track was completed in April, and is now available for the UCI’s high-level athletes and any team wishing to come and train.

“This BMX track is truly unique and the only one of its kind in the world, with its 8 meter high start ramp and the same track design as for the 2008 Olympic Games” says Johan Lindstrom, UCI BMX Sports Coordinator. “Any teams or riders serious about the Olympic Games need to spend time on this track, there is no question about it” adds Lindstrom.
“The track is as close as possible to the design of the Olympic BMX track, although some jumps are designed more for training purposes than for racing” says Tom Ritzenthaler, UCI track builder. “To see some of the best riders on this track puts a smile on my face, it is that cool,” finishes Ritzenthaler.

The track is app. 300 meters long, featuring an 8 meter high start ramp followed by two individual straight-aways (for Men and Women).

“We are especially proud of the start ramp construction, which was designed first and foremost with the riders’ performances in mind” says UCI project leader Matti Notlind. “This design will now become the standard for upcoming UCI BMX Supercross World Cups and of course for the Olympic Games” continues Notlind.

The World Cycling Centre can now offer National Teams and Trade Teams one of the most complete training facilities in the world. In addition to the BMX track, the World Cycling Centre has gym facilities, an indoor velodrome track, an indoor BMX start gate and a restaurant, with accommodation nearby. Teams interested in booking these facilities or receiving more details is asked to contact the UCI.

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