More than 150 BMX riders will compete for the first time at Scotland’s newest cycling centre this week. Tomorrow, the qualifying heats in the European Championships 2018 will play out the Olympic standard Glasgow BMX Centre.
The final rounds take place the following day at the specially built £3.7 million facility located in Knightswood.
Spectators can expect non-stop, exhilarating action from BMX riders, especially in the final knockout rounds, which will decide the European champion.
The BMX Centre is the only new permanent venue constructed for use in the European Championships and is Scotland’s only world and Olympic standard BMX track.
The completion of the venue earlier this summer means Glasgow is now the only city in the world with venues capable of hosting all four Olympic cycling discipline events, BMX, mountain biking, road and track.
Sports Minister Joe FitzPatrick said: “The new BMX Centre is a state of the art venue that is sure to make a fantastic setting for the European Championships this week.
“The riders are really excited about competing here and we can expect a thrilling competition.”
BMX centre at Knightswood, Glasgow.
As well as staging the top-class sporting action, the Knightswood track is a legacy project for the city.
It is the new home of the local Western Titans BMX Racing Club and will be available for people of all ages and abilities to use.
The main track features two start ramps, one that is five metres and another of eight metres.
This means it can be used by riders of all abilities, as well as for competitions.
There is also a smaller pump track for learners and both tracks are fully floodlit.
In addition, the BMX Centre features changing facilities, a meeting room and a car park.
The centre will by managed by Glasgow Life on behalf of Glasgow City Council, and equipment will be available for hire.
Justine Cameron, secretary for the Western Titans, said: “We were totally overwhelmed by the facility when we saw it for the first time.
“Some of our riders have already ridden there and they think it’s absolutely immense.
“The new track means we can train at a completely different level than we were before.”
Scottish number one Molly Shearer, 16, and number two Harrison Bell, 10, are members of the Western Titans.
Justine believes that the BMX Centre will serve to help the youngsters build on their success.
She said: “This centre is exactly what Scotland needs. Having a facility like this is perfect for our young talent and I have absolutely no doubt that this track will produce medal winners.”
Councillor David McDonald, Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow Life, also believe the centre will leave a lasting legacy.
He said: “I’m confident this centre will be very well used by the local community. Having a world-class facility on our doorstep will help to inspire a new generation of young cyclists to take up the sport, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.”
BMX is just one competition being held in Glasgow as part of the European Championships, which runs for 11 days until August 12.
It is the biggest sporting event to be staged in Scotland outside of the Commonwealth Games.
The event is being held jointly with Berlin in Germany. Glasgow will host six sports, Aquatics, Cycling, Golf, Gymnastics, Rowing and Triathlon, at 12 venues across Scotland, while Berlin will host athletics at the city’s Olympic Stadium, as well as road races and race walking events.
Tickets for all Glasgow 2018 events including BMX can be purchased from glasgow2018.com/tickets
Festival 2018 is the world-class arts and culture programme that will complement the 11 days of sporting events in Glasgow and Scotland with a host of free activities for the family to enjoy. See www.glasgow2018.com/festival
This article appeared in the Sunday Mail.
