Please note: this is an archived news article release
This article was published on Tuesday, 4 February, 2020. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.
Posted on Tuesday 4th of February, 2020,
This weekend saw 197 professional BMX riders and their teams take to the Shepparton BMX Track for the 2020 Union Cyclist Internationale BMX Supercross World Cup.
Competitors from 26 countries and close to 3,000 spectators filled Shepparton Sport City Precinct over the weekend to cheer on the world’s best BMX riders as they kick off their Olympic qualifying campaigns.
The track was dominated by Australian riders Anthony Dean, Izaac Kennedy and Saya Sakakibara who placed on Saturday’s round one. As well as an impressive feat from honouree Aussie Alise Willoughby from the USA, wife of Australian BMX icon Sam Willoughby, who came away in first position both days.
From the 3,000 spectators who attended it is estimated, more than half of the attendance travelled from out of the region, interstate and internationally for the world class event.
In addition to the BMX Supercross World Cup BMX Australia hosted a round of its National Series on Friday night with over 350 riders and their support crew getting a taste of the BMX action.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Councillor Seema Abdullah said the events’ success is a testament to Greater Shepparton’s state-of-the-art facilities reinforcing the tourism industry.
“The UCI BMX Supercross World Cup was an exciting opportunity to showcase all Greater Shepparton has to offer, including our world class BMX track as well as our accommodation, restaurants and eating establishments and locally-owned businesses,” Cr Abdullah said.
“The ability to hold an international event here highlights the benefits of providing quality infrastructure within our region, with an estimated $1 million generated in our region’s economy.”
The weekend excitement didn’t stop at the BMX Track. The Bikes and Bites festival, held on Saturday night at Victoria Park Lake, saw 4,000 people celebrate the calibre of cycling in our region. The festival included freestyle skate park demonstrations from Rampfest, as well as live music performed by the Jessica Lorriane and JB & Me.
“Thank you to our many local businesses who were involved in the festival and worked through the extraordinary weather to put on an amazing community event which brought so many people together,” Cr Abdullah said.
“We are thrilled with the thousands of visitors who attended the weekend’s festivities, and hope this event will further cement Greater Shepparton’s position as a major sporting and events destination of regional Australia.
“Congratulations to all the riders this weekend, especially to our Australian riders who placed within the top five. We hope to see you at this year’s Olympic Games.
“The feedback from the weekend has been extremely positive as Greater Shepparton was showcased right around the world and we hope the events success will lead to more large scale event opportunities for the region in the future.”
This weekend will see rounds three and four of the World Cup series take place in Bathurst. For more information head to www.bmxworldcup.com
For full race results visit www.bmx-results.com
More News from Greater Shepparton
Tuesday 28th of April,
Greater Shepparton misses out again as bus funding focuses on metro routes
The State Government’s latest public transport announcements have again highlighted significant inequities between metropolitan and regional Victoria, with just three improvements identified across regional areas and no commitment to review outdated… Read more
Monday 27th of April,
Road maintenance funding does not address long term regional challenges
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the latest announcement from the Victorian Government of a $1 billion allocation for regional road maintenance is not an increase in investment for regional Victoria. Read more
Friday 24th of April,
Boot Swap almost here supporting local families and players this sporting season
Greater Shepparton City Council is reminding the community that the Boot Swap is fast approaching, giving local families a simple way to access sporting gear and help more young people stay involved in sport. Read more
Friday 24th of April,
Community urged to have their say as MDBP review shapes Greater Shepparton’s future
Greater Shepparton City Council is urging residents, businesses and community groups to have their say on the Murray–Darling Basin Plan (MDBP) review, warning the outcomes will have long term impacts well beyond agriculture and will influence everyday… Read more
Thursday 23rd of April,
Community voices highlight growing pressure on essential services in Greater Shepparton
Greater Shepparton City Council is reinforcing its State Budget advocacy, highlighting the growing pressure local residents, workers and businesses are experiencing as demand for essential services continues to outpace investment. Read more
Tuesday 21st of April,
Budget commitment marks progress for Shepparton rail services
Greater Shepparton City Council has welcomed the Victorian Government’s budget commitment to increase train services on the Shepparton line, following sustained advocacy by Council since 2023. Read more
See All News
Want to get the latest news and events in your Facebook feed?
Just go to our Facebook page and click the Like button.
More Events in Greater Shepparton
Wednesday 6th of May,
Puff Walk
Enjoy the beauty of our local parks on Puff Walk! Read more
Saturday 2nd of May,
Paul Tabone Salutes - Andrea Bocelli
Experience the soaring beauty and emotional power of the music made famous by Andrea Bocelli, performed by Australia's favourite tenor. View on Riverlinks
Saturday 2nd of May,
Tatura Market
Join us for a community market, featuring live music, kid’s activities and an array of stalls with unique gifts just in time for Mother's Day! Read more
Tuesday 5th of May,
Riverlinks and Winding Road Productions present Fever! - The Songs of Peggy Lee -- AN AFTERNOON DELIGHT
She is best remembered for her finger-snapping style as she sang about Romeo & Juliet and Captain Smith’s little crush on Pocahontas - but she’s so much more than just the diva that gave us Fever! View on Riverlinks
Saturday 2nd of May,
Storytelling with Nature
Storytelling was an important way of developing connection with nature and with community, but it no longer has an important place in our busy lives. Read more
Thursday 7th of May, – to Tuesday 12th of May,
2026 Novice State Bowls Carnival
The Bowls Victoria Novice State Carnival is a bowls event specifically for new bowlers, who have been bowling for three years or less. Read more
See All Events