The National Indoor BMX Centre has attracted more than 6,500 new riders since opening only a year ago – a surge in popularity thanks to the world beating facilities at the National Cycling Centre.
The centre has also reported a deluge of hundreds of new applicants since Team GB’s remarkable success at London 2012 and will spend the coming weeks working through a huge backlog of new riders looking to take up the sport.
Since its official opening in August 2011, the BMX Centre has seen huge visitor numbers, a testament to the quality of the facilities on offer and the centre’s commitment to drawing in and inspiring young riders.
BMX only made its debut as an Olympic sport at the Beijing 2008 Games but has seen an explosion in its popularity – and it is hoped that local youngsters discovering the sport now will become the big names of future Olympics.
The Games catapulted Manchester’s young BMX riders, Shanaze Reade, 23, and Liam Phillips, 23, on to the world stage and they rode valiantly to make it through to Friday’s BMX final – and although unfortunately failing to grab a medal they have caught the imaginations of hundreds of cycling enthusiasts who will now take full advantage of the world beating facilities available at the National Cycling Centre.
East Manchester, as the home of British Cycling, has churned out the incredible medal grabbing athletes that have dominated this year’s Olympic Games at London’s velodrome, sealing Manchester as the sport’s undoubted spiritual home.
Team GB’s cycling team dominated both the track and road events, taking 12 medals – including seven track gold medals and one road gold – resulting in British Cycling confirming they will continue to call Manchester their home.
Cllr Rosa Battle, Manchester City Council’s executive member for culture and leisure, said: "Team GB’s remarkable success has seen Manchester glow with pride in the knowledge that our city is the home of British Cycling and our BMX riders have proved they have what it takes to challenge the best in the world.
"The National Indoor BMX Centre has been teeming with riders during the lead-up to last week’s events. The sport’s popularity is clearly exploding and having this sort of world class facility right on our doorstep is a wonderful opportunity for new riders to find their wheels and emulate the stars of Team GB.”
Throughout the summer the National Indoor BMX Centre offers coaching sessions for rider of all levels – from experienced riders to those who just want to experience the excitement of flying through the air for the first time at arguably the world’s best BMX facility.
For more information just visit: www.nationalcyclingcentre.com