BMX racing at its best is coming to Ipswich in April. Photo: MadB Photography
The event – on April 13 and 14 – will be the third stage of seven in the national series that begins in Sydney in February and concludes in October.
The series includes three separate competitions – one for challenge (age) classes, another for superclass and the final series for UCI elite and junior elite events.
At Ipswich, the top tier of racing will be contested on the Sunday with the UCI elite and junior elite events for both males and females where riders will be able to earn individual ‘world rankings’ points, that also help Australia qualify riders for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
On the Saturday the top level will be superclass racing, while challenge (age) classes will be contested on both days of competition.
Early-stage planning is estimated at more than 600 entries for the event, alongside hundreds more family and supporters preparing to make the trip to Ipswich.
BMX Australia CEO Martin Shaw said taking the event to Ipswich was a win for all stakeholders.
“We have undertaken a thorough process in selecting venues for the 2019 BMX National Series and Ipswich was one of several tracks and clubs that stood out,” Shaw said.
“Our feedback from riders, coaches and officials is that this venue works for an event of this stature.
“The Ipswich City Council has a strong history bringing top-level events to the region and we are looking forward to working alongside them to produce a world-class event for the BMX Australia family.”
Tourism Development Manager for the City of Ipswich, Alistair Tavares, said he was very excited to welcome BMX riders from around the country and is looking forward to seeing the economic boost the event will provide around the area.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for the city to shine,” Tavares said.
“We know that a large number of riders and their families are expected to attend and it’s great for accommodation, restaurants, and businesses that support the event.
“It is a great mark on the Ipswich events calendar.”
With ‘world rankings’ points on the line, many of Australia’s top elite riders are expected to make the trip to Ipswich in a bid to strengthen their place in the global standings as preparations continue towards Olympic selection in 2020.
2019 BMX Australia National Series
- STAGE 1: February 16-17 – Sydney BMX Club, NSW (Superclass, Challenge classes)
- STAGE 2: March 2-3 – Westside BMX Club, WA (Superclass, Challenge classes, UCI sanctioned event)
- STAGE 3: April 13-14 – Ipswich West Moreton BMX Club, QLD (Superclass, Challenge classes, UCI sanctioned event)
- STAGE 4: July 6 – Satellite City BMX Club, NT (UCI sanctioned event, Challenge classes)
- STAGE 5: August 24 – The Cove BMX Club, SA (Superclass, Challenge classes)
- STAGE 6: September 21 – TBC, TAS (Superclass, Challenge classes)
- STAGE 7: TBC
All the excitement of Olympic-class BMX racing is on its way. Photo: MadB Photography
About BMX Australia
- BMX Australia is recognised by the Australia Sports Commission as the National Sporting Organisation for BMX racing and Freestyle BMX within Australia.
- BMX Australia is the second largest BMX nation behind the United States and is an organisation with 17,000 members from the age of 2 years – 80 years. There are 8 Members Associations and 120 member clubs across the country.
- BMX Australia exists to provide Australians with the opportunity to compete in BMX from junior levels through to elite competition, including the National Series, National Championships, World Championships and Olympic Games. It is responsible for delivering these benefits to Australian BMX riders in collaboration with the Members States and Territories.
- BMX Australia’s vision “to lead Australian Sport through successful partnerships, participation growth and performance excellence” ensures that we strive to success, building a strong and positive public profile and continue to develop high quality athletes, coaches and officials at all levels of our sport.
