Sam Willoughby international BMX track at O’Halloran Hill to open by the start of next year

An Olympic-standard BMX track named after champion rider Sam Willoughby opens next year after a five-year wait. Watch the footage and see how it looks.

Final touches on an anticipated $6m world-class BMX track have started in Adelaide’s south, with it set to open by early next year.

After nearly five years of delays, local BMX riders on Monday tested the Sam Willoughby International BMX track at O’Halloran Hill.

Preston Murray, 14, puts the new BMX track through its paces. Picture Roy VanDerVegt

Sam Willoughby BMX park at O’Halloran Hill. Picture Roy VanDerVegt

Named in honour of the Olympic BMX star, it’s hope the venue will put the state on the map for international sporting events.

SAM WILLOUGBY and HIS WIFE ALYSE

“This is going to be a world-class facility that South Australians will enjoy and it will draw people from all over the globe when our borders open up,” Sport Minister Corey Wingard said.

The track includes two start hills and a clubroom. The state government and Marion and Onkaparinga councils have been working on the project since 2016.

The track is set to open at the start of 2022. Picture Roy VanDerVegt

“One of the great things about this facility is that it’s being designed for junior riders right the way through to that elite level, so the pathway is there, and we know we’re going to be producing more stars like Sam Willoughby at this very venue,” Mr Wingard said.

Willoughby fractured his vertebrae in a crash in the US in 2016, ending the two-time world champion’s competitive career.

Preston Murray, 14, tries out the Sam Willoughby BMX park at O’Halloran Hill. Picture Roy VanDerVegt

Track builder and BMX rider Max Cairns has been assisting with the construction of the track, test riding it most days to check it was up to international standards.

“I’ve always been in the BMX community, I started racing when I was five, and to actually be part of the process … it’s been amazing,” Cairns said.

The Glenthorne National Park track will be open by early next year.

The state government provided $3.55m for the project, with the councils covering the rest of its cost.