Anthony Dean and Saya Sakakibara will return to Shepparton, where they won silver medals in last year's BMX Supercross World Cup, and will be joined by their fellow BMX Australian cycling team member Izaac Kennedy, who won a bronze at the event, to help launch the BMX Development Program.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Kim O'Keeffe said the region continued to reap benefits after the World Cup event.
“We are fortunate last year's World Cup event was able to take place and it was astounding to see these top athletes from around the world converge in our region, supporting local business and it will be wonderful to see them return,” she said.
“Our region excels in many sports and this is a great opportunity for our local riders to receive mentoring from the nation's best.
“We're fortunate to have the facilities and resources to host professional events in our region.”
The BMX Development Program will consist of students from primary and secondary schools, in conjunction with members of Shepparton BMX Club, having the opportunity to develop their skills and confidence on the track, as well as mentoring the future athletes of the sport.
BMX Australian cycling team technical director Wade Bootes said they were keen to get back to the Shepparton BMX track on February 18 and 19.
“We are all excited to return and compete at the Shepparton BMX Club as part of our 2021 Elite World Championship selection criteria,” Bootes said.
“This will be the first time for many athletes competing since the World Cup last year.
“We are also fortunate to be in town for the BMX Development Program which will benefit so many students and members of the club.”
The legacy program will launch the region's BMX events within Greater Shepparton for 2021, which will include hosting the first two rounds of the Victorian State Series and the Victorian State Championships.
