Telford track lands BMX championships race date
It is one of Britain's fastest growing sports – and now Shropshire is to host a prestigious round of the British championships.
Wrekin Riders BMX Race Club will become part of the British BMX Series, bringing more than 2,500 riders to the county.
The national race will be held on August 6 and 7 next year on the £250,000 track in Telford, it was announced today.
It is a huge boost for the small team of volunteers who run the track – and will also help the county's economy as it enjoys an influx of competitors and fans.
Kieran Edwards, Wrekin Riders club chairman and coach, said hotels would be booked by families from across the UK and as it was within the school summer holidays many would make it into an annual holiday.
He said: "We are seen as an attractive location because we are very close to the World Heritage Site of Ironbridge.
"Shropshire has so much to offer and we will be promoting this to the BMX communities across the UK so they can start planning.
"We will be organising a temporary campsite for those who wish to camp as this is a necessity for the national round. Families will be eating out and will want to enjoy other attractions in the area during the weeks either side of the weekend racing too.
"When Wrekin Riders' members travel to national rounds we make it an event not just for the racing but as a mini-break where we get to see new areas."
Jo Edwards, club treasurer, said it was also a great opportunity for small businesses, as a national round event needed numerous trackside catering stands to cope with the thousands of riders and spectators, entertainment for the children and specialist bike shops.
