SX Events and the National Cycling Manchester’s BMX track, which opened at the National Cycling Centre in 2011, attracts some 75,000 visitors every year.
The latest modifications saw earthmoving equipment installed at the Sportcity site and included a lengthening of the men’s competition track designed to further challenge elite riders. The new construction promises an exhilarating spectacle for world cup crowds in April, as well as a fresh racing experience for hundreds of amateur riders who access the indoor complex each week for fitness and fun.
Commenting on the Manchester track, Tom Ritzenthaler said: “This facility is known around the world as a mecca for an indoor BMX track – it’s leaps and bounds ahead of any other. There’s a section at Chula Vista, California that everyone in the sport looks to, so we’ve replicated that here to give the athletes a better training regime and mind-set for world cup competition.”
Jonny Clay, British Cycling’s cycle sport and membership director, added: “Tracks around the world are getting bigger and consistently evolving as BMX riders push the boundaries of their sport.
The increasing skill level and high speeds that our best athletes reach mean tracks can be more technically challenging than ever before. The changes to the Manchester BMX track have lengthened the men’s third straight, creating longer and faster jumps. The new lines and tougher distance will allow our Great Britain athletes strong progression and better preparation towards Rio, as well as making for dramatic world cup action come April.”
The 2015 UCI BMX Supercross World Cup returns to the home of British Cycling, Manchester, on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April.
WINNING TOUCHES FOR MANCHESTER UCI BMX SUPERCROSS WORLD CUP TRACK
Feb 25, 2015
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Visiting BMX industry heavyweight Tom Ritzenthaler, Elite Trax Inc, has put finishing touches to the competition track at Manchester’s National Cycling Centre ahead of the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup, April 18-19. The US based ’master builder’ has been instrumental in the development of the BMX Supercross format, building some of the world’s fiercest BMX Supercross tracks, including [that contested during] London 2012. He travelled to Manchester with a team of construction specialists to undertake the works in consultation with British Cycling, Global
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.