British Cycling, in partnership with Manchester City Council and the UK Sport Gold Event Series, announced today that the first round of the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup will come to Manchester this April. Tickets go on sale for general release Thursday 7th February, 2013.
The event will take place at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester, a complex which boasts the largest indoor BMX track in Europe and will span two days (19 – 20 April). Featuring five events on three continents, with the fastest and bravest riders in the world taking the gate at the race and accelerating around the professional indoor course, the BMX Supercross World Cup is BMX racing at its best.
Following the popularity of the European Supercross Series and BMX World Champs being held in Birmingham in 2012 - and with top UK Olympian talent Shanaze Reade and Liam Phillips taking to the track - fans are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment as each race has a 1,800 ticket capacity.
Jonny Clay, British Cycling Cycle Sport and Membership Director, said of the event: “The National Cycling Centre defines Manchester as the heart of British cycling and so it makes perfect sense to host this high octane event in the city. The BMX track is central to Manchester’s world-class facilities and is a base for all cyclists from grassroots development through to Olympic and Paralympic medal winners.”
“Manchester is leading the way in making cycling an accessible sport to people of all ages and abilities across the city and beyond. Through a dedicated schools’ programme and with tickets from as little as £13, anyone interested in BMX can watch pro-riders in action at the Supercross event this April.”
Esther Nicholls, Head of Major Events at UK Sport, added: “Following the success of the 2012 BMX World Championships in Birmingham, we are delighted to bring another BMX event to the UK.
“This is a fantastic addition to UK Sport’s Gold Event Series – which aims to bring over 70 of the world’s most prestigious events to the UK – and we look forward to working closely with British Cycling and Manchester City Council to deliver a truly memorable event.”
Tickets for the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup in Manchester are available for general purchase through Ticketmaster from 11:00 on Thursday 7th February, 2013.
There are three price bands allowing spectators to choose between a premium view and value for money seat. People can choose their seat before they buy. Families and U16s can enjoy a discount on the standard admission price and those interested in giving the sport a go for themselves can enjoy a range of open sessions and group bookings. For more information visit www.britishcycling.org.uk/bmx
The BMX centre, located on Stuart Street next to the velodrome, was built with the support of Manchester City Council in 2011 as part of its commitment to cycling. The council’s support of the grassroots development of the sport has made cycling accessible to everyone across Greater Manchester and beyond.
Councillor Jim Battle, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, said: “It’s phenomenally exciting to welcome the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup to Manchester.
“It’s the first global event to be hosted by our world-class BMX track - offering further proof that Manchester truly is the home of British cycling.
“The BMX Supercross will form part of our jam-packed sporting programme for 2013 that will also see the city host the Great Manchester Run, Great CityGames, Great Manchester Swim, Super League Magic Weekend, Men's World Squash Championship, Rugby League World Cup and NBA Europe Live!
“Manchester is a city that truly embraces sport and I’m sure the BMX Supercross will not only be a treat for spectators but inspire people to get involved with the sport and take advantage of the unique facilities on their doorstep.”
The run up to the event will see exclusive videos, what’s on guides and BMX Supercross updates on the Twitter feed @BMXSuperX and Facebook page BMXSuperX.