BOURNEMOUTH will see top BMX riders from around the UK descend on its shores for the prestigious 2022 British BMX Championships.

In partnership with BCP Council, the Bournemouth BMX Club was awarded the bid to host this significant event at its Iford Lane facility, over the August Bank Holiday weekend next year.

This BMX facility is the only racetrack facility in Dorset and when not being used by the club, is available for public use by the growing number of people interested in this exciting sport.

Councillor Drew Mellor, Leader of BCP Council, said: “BCP Council is proud to be partnering with Bournemouth BMX Club, one of the oldest and longest running BMX clubs in the country, to host this major event for British Cycling in the UK's top summer tourist resort.

“Next year marks the 40th anniversary of Bournemouth BMX Club and our long partnership promoting cycling and the sport of BMX locally. Whilst both the local area and indeed the sport of BMX have seen major changes over the years, the club has continued to maintain and develop the asset for public use continuously for four decades.

“Hosting an elite level sporting event of this calibre is a great coup for us, especially as the interest in wheeled sports continues to grow, and as a major tourist destination I can't think of a better place for a summer race.”

Olympians – and defending champions – Beth Shriever and Kye Whyte will be eyeing up the two days of competition at the Bournemouth event from August 27-28.

Shriever, who sealed an incredible Olympic, world and British title treble with victory at the 2021 championships, said: "The Brits have always been a highlight of my racing calendar. Coming back home to race and see everyone this summer was incredible, and I’m looking forward to more of the same next August.”

Bournemouth BMX Club chairman, Michael Whittaker, added: “We’re so pleased to have been asked to host the jewel in the BMX race calendar’s crown.

"We’re looking forward to marking our 40th anniversary, and there’s plenty to celebrate both with the local community and the wider BMX community.

"For us it’s all about supporting more people to ride bikes more often, whether that’s just for fun, as a way of moving around or adrenaline-pumping racing.

“We look forward to welcoming British Cycling and the British BMX Championships to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole next summer and to celebrating 40 years of BMX.”

British Cycling’s cycling delivery manager for the south, Ruth Miller, said: “It’s fantastic to be hosting this event in the region. Bournemouth is an excellent inclusive club who I have no doubt will deliver an inspirational showcase event that will also be a lot of fun.

"We look forward to supporting them in the coming months and continuing their development as a real hub for their local community to ride bikes and have fun, while also ensuring talented riders have the support to be the best they can be.”