BMX Australia has announced that the pinnacle of BMX racing in Australia, the National Championships will be held at Brisbane’s Sleeman Sports Complex in 2013, 2015 and 2017.
The Sleeman Sports Complex is home to Australia’s only BMX Supercross Track. The Olympic standard circuit features two start ramps (5m and 8m with an 18/28° sloping angle) with major double-jumps, step ups and a technical rhythm section.
Brisbane will host the BMX Australia National Championships in 2013, 2015 and 2017.
President of BMX Australia, Barry Knight said he was delighted the National Championships would be held at the Sleeman Sports Complex.
“The whole facility is one that is on par with the best BMX venues worldwide,” he said. “We are always looking to lift the standards of our events by ensuring riders have access to challenging tracks and top class facilities. The Sleeman Sports Complex delivers that.
“Naturally Australia’s best riders should be decided on one of Australia’s best tracks; our riders compete to be the best and the winners of the National Championships will exude those qualities when they race.
“I must also recognise the work done by the BMX Queensland, led by its President Bruce Oliver, in securing the event. They have been quite eager to host the National Championships; Queensland based riders should be thrilled to race in their home state for national placings.”
BMX Queensland President, Bruce Oliver, said the three national championship events would be a welcome boost to the region.
“The last BMX Nationals held in south east Queensland were in 1996. These events will attract thousands of riders and their families to the region, with many staying for over a week,” said Oliver.
The agreement brings three national and three state titles to the Sleeman Sports Complex over the next six years.
“We expect that holding so many events on this Olympic standard track will prepare riders and we hope Queensland riders in particular for world class racing especially the Olympics,” said Oliver.
Queensland currently boasts the largest number of riders out of all the Australian states.
“We certainly hope to see more Queenslanders on podiums in the future,” Oliver added.
State Member for Chatsworth Steve Kilburn said it was expected the 2013 event would bring more than 1,100 riders from around Australia to Brisbane for six days of competition from April 30 to May 5.
“BMX is a sport which is racing from strength to strength and it will be great to see Australia’s best riders competing on the country’s best circuit,” Kilburn said. “With more than 7,000 registered riders across the country and 32 clubs across Queensland, the popularity of BMX continues to grow.
“It’s expected the sport will see another major jump in popularity following the London Olympics later this year where it has been included for only the second time at an Olympic Games.
“With London 2012 just around the corner the track will be put to very good use as elite training squads prepare for the Games over the coming months.
“Having access to a facility like this will enhance riders’ skill levels, help to improve fitness and make them more competitive on the international stage.
“By continuing to fund significant sport and recreation facilities throughout Queensland, we are making it easier for people to lead an active and healthy lifestyle which aligns with our Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland initiative to help Queenslanders become Australia’s healthiest people.”
The Sleeman BMX Supercross Track is part of the Bligh Government’s $15.3 million investment at the Sleeman Sports Complex, the largest single investment at the Complex since its opening. The $4.8 million BMX facility was delivered by the Bligh Government and officially opened in June 2011.
