01.18.12 - CANADA CUP SERIES EXPANDS TO BMX, NEW RACING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG RIDERS

Newest Olympic cycling sport is gaining speed in Canada; New Canada Cup Series introduced for BMX

(Ottawa, ON – January 18, 2012) The BMX scene in Canada has just improved, thanks the new expansion of the Canada Cup Series to the cycling sport of BMX.

In 2012, Canada’s BMX scene will showcase an expansion of the Canada Cup Series for BMX, with five Canada Cup events including three Class 5 events held in three provinces – Québec, Alberta and British Columbia. The Canada Cup Series was launched 21 years ago, to promote the growth of Mountain biking in Canada.

“The new Canada Cup Series for BMX was introduced as an action to answer the strong growth this sport has seen since its inception to the Olympic program. We have had outstanding BMX events in the past year, and we are ready to step it up and offer a new competitive BMX stream to young, up-and-coming riders who are making their way up to the international ranks,” said Mathieu Boucher, Director of development at the Canadian Cycling Association.

St-Augustin-de-Desmaures will be hosting two Canada Cup races this season, after hosting very successful Canadian BMX Championships last season on an upgraded and safer track. The Alberta BMX Club will welcome two Canada Cup races in St-Albert, Alberta, while the Abbotsford BMX Club will organize one Canada Cup race the day following the 2012 Canadian BMX Championships.

In addition to announcing the Canada Cup Series for BMX, the Canadian Cycling Association also unveiled the dates of the 2012 Canadian BMX Championships, which will be held August 30-September 1 in Abbotsford, BC. The best Canadian riders will battle it out on the improved track in Abbotsford to win the ultimate prize – the coveted Red and White Jersey.

BMX has seen an impressive growth in popularity since 2008, when it was first presented at the Olympic Games in China.

2012 CALENDAR OF EVENTS – BMX

July 7: Coupe Canada Cup (BMX) – Saint-Augustin-De-Desmaures, QC

July 8: Coupe Canada Cup (BMX) – Saint-Augustin-De-Desmaures, QC

August 25: Coupe Canada Cup (BMX) – St-Albert, AB

August 26: Coupe Canada Cup (BMX) – St-Albert, AB

August 31-September 1: 2012 Canadian BMX Championships – Abbotsford, BC

September 2: Coupe Canada Cup (BMX) – Abbotsford, BC