BMX centre puts city in world class for cycling sport events
THE city’s newest sport facility, the Glasgow BMX Centre, has been officially opened in Knightswood.
The only permanent venue constructed for use in the inaugural Glasgow 2018 European Championships, the track becomes the only world and Olympic standard BMX track in Scotland, and only the second in the UK.
The opening of the BMX Centre also means Glasgow is now the only city in the world capable of hosting all four Olympic cycling discipline events within the city boundary, joining the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome at Emirates Arena, Cathkin Braes Mountain Bike Trails and the city’s streets.
Funded by Glasgow City Council, sportscotland, Glasgow 2018, and HSBC/British Cycling, the facility is now open for use by local communities and clubs, giving a lasting legacy for young athletes.
Councillor David McDonald, depute leader of Glasgow City Council and chair of Glasgow Life, said: “The opening of the Glasgow BMX Centre is huge for our city.
“We are now one of only two cities in the United Kingdom with a world-class and Olympic-standard BMX facility – as well as the only city capable of hosting all four Olympic cycling disciplines within the city boundary.
“This world-class venue has already hosted the BMX competition for the 2018 European Championships, and it will play a large role in the upcoming inaugural UCI World Championships in 2023 which our city was awarded earlier this month, celebrating an exciting new chapter in Glasgow’s long and illustrious sporting history.
“However, the real change will be seen and felt at a local level.
“As well as hosting major events, the Glasgow BMX Centre will be open for community use, helping inspire a new wave of young cyclists to take up the sport, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.”
As part of the construction of the site, Glasgow City Council also carried out work to create and improve cycle links to and from the venue.
The main track accommodates riders of all ages and abilities, and features two start ramps, five metres and eight metres, for advanced riders and competition use.
Glasgow Life will manage the facility on behalf of Glasgow City Council, and riders can rent all the required equipment on site, including bikes, helmets and other protective gear – either by item or as a package.
For first-timers, a coached induction session is required which will introduce riders to basic BMX skills, as well as track use and etiquette.
A smaller, free-to-use and fully floodlit pump track is also located in the venue and can be used by riders for any nonmotorised wheeled activity including bikes, skateboards and scooters.
Joe Fitzpatrick MSP, Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing, said: “I am delighted to open the BMX Centre in Glasgow today.
“This world-class facility will build on the success of the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and the Cathkin Braes Mountain Bike Trails, enabling top athletes to compete in their discipline of choice and encouraging grass-roots riders of all ages and abilities to get involved in this great sport.
“Glasgow can now boast that they are the only city in the world capable of hosting all Olympic cycling disciplines within the city boundary and one of only two world-class 8m drop BMX tracks in the UK.
“I am delighted that this centre will help us to further enhance our reputation as a world class venue for international sporting events.”