02.02.12 - NEW BMX CANADA CUP PROMISES TO BE EXCITING

International racing to be had in Canada for BMX riders for 2012; New date for Series Kick Off

(Ottawa, ON – February 02, 2011) The Canadian Cycling Association is excited to announce details around the 2012 BMX Canada Cup Series, which will be the inaugural season of the BMX Canada Cup. In total, young riders from Canada will have the chance to race in five races, including three international UCI races.

Adam Muys, head coach of the Canadian BMX program in Canada, is excited about the new series and the opportunities it will bring to BMX riders in Canada: “This new series is going to allow young riders to progress and bridge the gap between provincial racing and national racing. That bridge is a critical component that will ensure Canada has long term planned success around the world.”

“We have a great talent pool in development right now all across the country, a potential that is currently untapped. Uniting as a community is critical in the success of the BMX Canada Cup Series, and we are looking forward to see riders coming together and embrace the series, and make it their own as the series grow.”

The BMX Canada Cup Series is a vital part of the Long Term Athlete Development model for BMX, which was presented to the community last year after an exhaustive collaboration and input from Provincial Sport Organizations, coaches, riders and parents in Canada.

Tory Nyhaug of Coquitlam, BC, Canada’s most prolific BMX rider and top-ranked Canadian of the World ranking, shares his excitement with Muys. “The more racing opportunities there are in Canada, the better it is for the sport and its growth. This series will provide awesome opportunities for the new generation of riders to race on the international scene, without having to travel extensively to the United States or oversees. I’m looking forward to race some of these events.”

The 2012 BMX Canada Cup Series will consist of five events over three weekends of racing. Each weekend will consist of one internationally sanctioned race (UCI) and one nationally sanctioned race (CCA).

The 2012 Series will begin in Quebec in July with two events, then move to Alberta in late August for two additional events. The Series will conclude in Abbotsford with the Canada Cup Finals, the day after the 2012 BMX Canadian Championships in September.

The Canada Cup Series racing will feature many racing categories, such as Senior Men and Women, Junior Men and Women, as well as Development Men and Women (14-16 years old).

Canada Cup events will be run in conjunction with provincially sanctioned races allowing for all categories to be run.

A full season ranking will be maintained for the six Canada Cup Categories. Rankings will be posted on the Canadian Cycling Association website on the Tuesday following each event. There will be prizing for the series overall ranking. The Current Leader will be awarded a leader’s plate to wear at the next race. Points will be awarded based on the final results of each day of racing. The overall ranking will be calculated using each athletes best four of five races. It is mandatory to attend the final event in order to have an overall ranking.

Please watch www.canadian-cycling.com for the publication of the 2012 BMX Canada Cup specific regulations regarding the BMX Canada Cup Series.

NEW DATE FOR OPENING EVENT

The Canadian Cycling Association would also like to announce modified dates for the 2012 Canada Cup Series kick-off event in Québec City, which is now scheduled for June 30 and July 1.