Ipswich BMX Club hosting major state event over next week
Hundreds of riders are competing in Ipswich from Sunday, providing a huge sporting and financial boost for the city. See why Ipswich BMX Club officials are so excited.
Ipswich
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Even without some interstate riders due to Covid restrictions, the latest state BMX championships in Ipswich are providing a massive economic and sporting boost for the city.
Ipswich BMX Club president Karley Bryce and her dedicated team were busy at the Willey Park facility on Saturday making final preparations for a huge week of racing.
“We’re all looking good. We’re right on schedule which is fantastic,’’ Bryce said.
Hundreds of riders are competing in coming days with about 300 entered in Sunday’s Pre State Championship event.
“For the state championships (through the week leading up to finale on September 25), they’re expecting 350 to 400 every day,’’ Bryce said.
The visiting riders and their families are have booked houses and local hotels or are camping at the Ipswich Showgrounds, providing a welcome injection of dollars.
“Which is good for local businesses,’’ the club president said. “It’s a huge economic impact for Ipswich so it’s fantastic.’’
The state titles are rarely conducted outside the international Sleeman complex in Brisbane, enhancing Ipswich’s reputation as a growing BMX power.
Bryce said having the backing of Ipswich City Council also highlighted the importance of the latest Auscycling Queensland BMX State Championships.
“Most of the events we hold here bring a lot of money into Ipswich, which is why the Council is very happy to support us with it,’’ Bryce said.
Sunday’s Pre State Championships give the riders an introduction and chance to finetune and prepare for the week of elite racing ahead.
On Monday and Tuesday, teams are allowed to practice on the Ipswich track “to get some skills and everything before the big day’’.
Wednesday is another practice day with competition starting on Thursday. That is when the 13 plus and riders chase title glory.
On Friday, it’s the turn of the younger sprockets and mini wheelers.
Next Saturday is the super class - for the elite competitors.
Racing on Thursday and Friday starts about 4pm. The big day of super class competition begins at 8am.
Sunday’s Pre State event starts about noon.
“It is a very big occasion,’’ Bryce said. “It’s been in the works for months and months now.’’
Ipswich is being represented by about 100 riders across the categories from the young sprockets to senior divisions.
Among those leading the charge are international rider Matt Krasevskis.
Other club riders have SEQ plates from past competitions.
Although the weather looks ideal for racing, Bryce said the Atherton team had already commented on the hot conditions. That will add another challenging element to the top class competition.
Ipswich was granted the opportunity to host the state titles after successfully staging the third round of the 2019 BMX Australia’s BAD BOY National series.
The BMX facility was shut down in March last year due to COVID-19 restrictions.
After that false start through no fault of their own, Ipswich club officials have been busy preparing for the latest cycling series at the Moffat Street facility.
“Even though it’s a state championship for Queensland, riders from different state do normally come and compete,’’ she said.
“They do make money out of it. They just don’t get a Queensland plate.
“We have lost some riders because of Covid but ultimately, it’s still good numbers.’’
The Ipswich track was recently resurfaced to ensure everything was of the highest standard for the state titles.
The Ipswich facility has been widely praised in recent years.
“We are very, very happy with the track,’’ Bryce said. “I can’t speak highly enough of the boys at Limitless (the company that did the latest work).’’
Former treasurer Bryce was appointed president for the first time at last November’s AGM.
Bryce is joined on the committee by husband-wife team Ian and Tanya Thompson (vice president and treasurer) and returning secretary Stacey Underhill.
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