The UK's new £24m National BMX Centre, based at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester, will be showcased to the public at an open day this Saturday (6 August).
Running from 10am-4pm, the day will give the chance for the public to get a look of the centre before it officially opens for use on 8 August. Attendees will get a guided tour, and a chance to have a demo on both the indoor and outdoor circuits. And as it's right next door to the velodrome, track taster sessions are also being run.
The centre will host international BMX events and provide a base for the UK’s top riders in the run up to next summer’s Olympic Games. And far from simply being a home for the elite, it will also be open to Manchester school kids and cyclists, who will have access to “pay and ride” sessions in the evenings and at weekends.
Ian Drake, British Cycling's Chief Executive, said: "Today brings us a step closer to the completion of a fantastic training and competition facility which will aid the GB Cycling Team's preparations for London 2012.
“The centre will offer the local community an opportunity to train alongside British BMX stars, inspiring future generations of riders and host new British Cycling headquarters. The complex is being built as part of the London 2012 legacy plan, a great example of the positive impact the Games are having on sport and communities outside of London."
Funded by Manchester City Council, Sport England and the European Regional Development Fund, the 110,000 square foot centre will include a 2,000 seat arena, a cycling shop and café facilities when it officially opens later in the year, as well as being the home of British Cycling’s new headquarters. For more information, visit www.thebmxlaunch.co.uk.
