Following on from hosting the 2019 national championships — as well as the 2020 national series and Supercross World Cup — the city’s calendar is again set to flood with a catalogue of events next year.
Come February 20-21, hundreds of biking buffs will land in Greater Shepparton for the opening two rounds of the BMX State Series.
It’s also been revealed the state championships will also unfold at the Shepparton BMX track in October 2021.
Using figures from past Shepparton-hosted events as a yard stick, Greater Shepparton City Council speculates approximately 2000 fans visiting for the state series could inject more than $1 million to the city’s economy.
With BMX and cycling junctures proving to draw significant numbers to the region, City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Kim O’Keeffe said council had all intentions of utilising its first-rate facilities for future events.
“It’s our state-of-the-art facilities which allow us to secure these prestigious events and position us as the leading sporting events capital of regional Australia,” O’Keeffe said.
“Council has invested in upgrading the Shepparton BMX track at the Shepparton Sport City Precinct which has included installation of 200 lux lighting to allow for night-time events as well as the construction of Victoria’s only 8 m start hill.
“It’s fantastic to see these investments recognised as one of the best, not only in Victoria, but in Australia.”
Young talent will arrive by the truckload in a different format come September with the earlier announcement Greater Shepparton will host the Cycling Australia Junior Road Nationals.
Sure to provide yet another economic windfall, council wishes to build on its accord with AusCycling to secure more events of that ilk in years to come.
“Our visitor economy has had a tough year and securing events of this calibre will be a big boost to our accommodation, retail, hospitality and tourist attractions sectors helping support local jobs and our economy,” O’Keeffe said.
“We look forward to strengthening our relationship with AusCycling over the coming months and welcoming some of Australia’s best riders to our region.”
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