SCHOOLS FACE OFF AHEAD OF UCI BMX SUPERCROSS WORLD CUP MANCHESTER

Mar 27, 2015

Written by Bart de Jong

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Manchester secondary students have tested their mettle on Manchester’s indoor BMX track, competing for the chance to ride at the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup, April 18-19. 55 budding BMX riders assembled on the World Cup track as part of the National Cycling Centre (NCC) BMX development programme. Abraham Moss Community School, Manchester Communications Academy, St Peters RC High School and William Hulme Grammar School took part in coaching sessions for students who had just six hours track time under their belts ahead of this week’s display.

The students were selected to head to the competition track after

showing promise at in-school sessions facilitated by the NCC. Up to eight boys and eight girls from the schools will be selected to compete in a showcase race held over the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup Manchester weekend which closes the Easter holidays.

National Cycling Centre BMX Development Coach, Andy Adkin, said: “Schools development and a broad-reaching legacy programme is core to the future of BMX everywhere. It’s wonderful that local schools here in Manchester can bring young riders to an international event staged live in their own city. Saturday’s showcase race at the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup Manchester offers a rare opportunity for students to ride in the path of our Olympic heroes, ensuring the event brings lasting benefits to the community.”

Manchester City Council executive member for culture and leisure, Councillor Rosa Battle, added: “Manchester is the home of British Cycling and we’ve played a key part in helping the country’s best athletes develop their talents across all cycling disciplines. We are extremely proud of the world class cycling facilities in the city and the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup will add to the list of truly unforgettable competitions we’ve hosted.” She continues: “It is incredibly exciting that local school children will be a part of this year’s event – it shows how competitions of this calibre have the power to truly inspire and leave a lasting legacy in Manchester.”

The 2015 UCI BMX Supercross World Cup returns to the home of British Cycling, Manchester, on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April. For further event information and to book tickets, visit ticketmaster.co.uk/britishcycling.