The world’s best BMX Racing riders will be heading to Rotorua in New Zealand for the 2024 UCI BMX Racing World Cup, which will be a key event leading up to the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024.
Cycling New Zealand, in partnership with BMX New Zealand and Rotorua BMX Club, today announced that the first stop of the 2024 UCI BMX Racing World Cup will be staged at the Te Papa o Te Kauri BMX facility at Whakarewarewa on 10-11 February 2024.
Audio: Audio grab from Olympic BMX medallist, Sarah Walker.
The UCI, the world governing body of cycling, today confirmed the 2024 calendar for the BMX Racing World Cup that includes stops in New Zealand and Australia.
Organisers expect 300 elite riders from around the world to compete in Rotorua, to be followed by the second stop in Australia two weeks later, which will create a much-anticipated southern hemisphere double-header.
Cycling New Zealand believe international riders will be attracted to both events, which fall inside the qualification period for the Paris Olympic Games later in 2024.
The event partners recognise the funding support from New Zealand Major Events, Rotorua Lakes Council, Rotorua Trust, and Thermal Explorer Fund that enabled the successful bid.
Rotorua Mayor, Tania Tapsell is looking forward to the positive impact this event will have on the local community as well as supporting the local club to realise their vision to host a world event which was a key driver for the development of the facility in 2019.
“We are excited to be hosting the 2024 UCI BMX Racing World Cup in Rotorua. This event allows us the chance to showcase our city on the international stage, along with bringing elite riders and spectators from around the world to experience all that Rotorua has to offer and provide welcome support for local businesses.”
Organisers have received support from New Zealand Major Events to attract the first-ever UCI BMX Racing World Cup to New Zealand which will continue to showcase the country’s reputation as an international cycling event host and destination and will also support local riders in their quest for Paris 2024 and beyond.
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Manager of Major Events, Kylie Hawker-Green said the event brings significant socio-economic benefits to Rotorua and New Zealand.
“As an Olympic qualifying event, the 2024 UCI BMX Racing World Cup aligns with high performance outcomes, as well as putting New Zealand on the map as a BMX Racing destination.
“BMX Racing also has a strong connection with our youth, and we look forward to working with Cycling New Zealand to leverage the event to encourage youth participation in the sport, and support wellbeing outcomes.
Cycling New Zealand CEO Simon Peterson said the organisation is pleased to host a UCI BMX Racing World Cup in New Zealand and especially in Rotorua.
“Cycling New Zealand has a strong background in staging world-class events, and I am confident that in partnership with BMX New Zealand, Rotorua BMX Club, and the Rotorua community, that this event will be a success.
“We trust it will provide a significant boost for the sport at this excellent BMX Racing facility.”
Cycling New Zealand High Performance manager, Ryan Hollows said the UCI BMX Racing World Cup would be a massive boost for New Zealand riders.
“Our elite BMX Racing riders spend considerable time based in Europe for many of the major events to seek qualification for the UCI World Championships and the Olympic Games. This is a rare opportunity to achieve that at home, in our conditions, and with home-town support.”
While the most significant boost from this event will likely be felt in the Thermal Explorer Highway region, organisers have already started plans to engage with BMX clubs and communities around New Zealand, with the potential of hosting international riders to prepare in the lead up for the 2024 UCI BMX Racing World Cup given it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
For more information visit www.bmxworldcup.nz. Ticket sales will be available later in the year.
Caption: Action from the recent UCI Oceania BMX Racing Championships at the Te Papa o Te Kauri BMX Track in Rotorua. (Credit: Cycling New Zealand)
