04.28.11 - CANADIAN BMX RIDERS TO BENEFIT FROM WORLD-CLASS SUPER CROSS COURSE IN ABBOTSFORD

Course to be built to UCI World Cup standards

(Ottawa, ON – April 28, 2011) The Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) has entered into a unique partnership with B2ten, CyclingBC, the Abbotsford BMX Club, the City of Abbotsford and the Canadian Sport Centre Pacific to build a World class permanent BMX Super Cross course meeting International standards in Abbotsford, BC.

The track will be cutting edge, becoming the first Super Cross (SX) track in Canada where top BMX riders will be able to compete and train for upcoming World Cup events, World Championships and Olympic Games.

Tory Nyhaug, Canada’s up-and-coming BMX star and multiple age group UCI World Champion, is thrilled about this new venture. “I'm excited that we are getting a world class track to train on. This is critical for World Cup preparations, especially with the Olympic Games right around the corner."

“We are pleased that the stakeholders have come together to form this agreement,” said Greg Mathieu, CEO and Secretary General of the Canadian Cycling Association. “This is a significant milestone for cycling in Canada and for the sport of BMX. Currently there is no place in Canada for our BMX athletes to train Super Cross efficiently. With this new partnership and facility, we will now be able to inspire future champions.”

The start area of the track – one of the most important aspects of a race – will be built according to Olympic standards. The construction of the track and all of its features, set to begin imminently, is scheduled to be completed before the UCI Class 4 & 5 events being held on June 4-5, 2011 in Abbotsford, BC.

The $130,000 cost of the project was substantially underwritten by B2ten along with the Canadian Sport Centre Pacific and the Abbotsford BMX Cycling Club.

The Abbotsford BMX Cycling Club will be responsible to build, maintain and operate the track for the next 20 years, as well as hosting international events, such as World Cups, in collaboration with CyclingBC and the CCA. The City of Abbotsford will provide track access to the club.

“This is a fantastic step forward for BMX in Canada. Abbotsford BMX and the entire Province of British Columbia is proud to have this opportunity to participate in the creation of world-class athletes, and the facilities to underpin their efforts,” said Steve Baxter, president of the Abbotsford BMX Club.

ABOUT CANADIAN CYCLING ASSOCIATION

The Canadian Cycling Association is the governing body for competitive cycling in Canada. Founded in 1882, the CCA aims to create and sustain an effective system that develops talented Canadian cyclists to achieve Olympic, Paralympic and World Championship medal performances. With the vision to be a leading competitive cycling nation by 2020 celebrating enhanced international success, increased a participation and world class event hosting, the CCA manages the National teams, hosts national and international events, and administers community programs to promote Cycling in Canada. For more information, please visit: www.canadian-cycling.com.

ABOUT CYCLING BC

Cycling BC is the provincial governing body for the sport of cycling in British Columbia. We represent the full range of disciplines including Road, Track & Cyclo-cross, Mountain Biking and BMX. Cycling BC is a not-for-profit association registered under the BC Societies Act and affiliated with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) through our membership in the Canadian Cycling Association (CCA).

ABOUT ABBOTSFORD BMX CYCLING CLUB

The Abbotsford BMX Club has been in existence for over ten years. BMX is a great family sport. At Abbotsford BMX, we encourage a fun, family-oriented atmosphere while promoting a “Healthy Abbotsford” initiative. We run a full BMX Program, with scheduled weekly racing and practice. Our club has a number of rider representatives who participate in coaching and learning the fundamentals of this exciting sport. We are a very strong Executive and work well with one another. “Team Work” has always proven to be one of our strongest suits.

ABOUT B2ten

B2ten is a private sector initiative dedicated to Canadian athletic excellence, well being and the greater good of society. www.B2ten.ca

ABOUT CANADIAN SPORT CENTRE PACIFIC

In partnership with the national network of Canadian Sport Centres and provincial network of PacificSport Centres, Canadian Sport Centre Pacific delivers sport performance programs to help athletes and coaches win medals for Canada. Working in support of our national and provincial sport partners, Canadian Sport Centre Pacific is creating a stronger system for the development of athletes, coaches, integrated support teams and sport performance facilities. For more information, please visit www.cscpacific.ca.