BMX World Championships Media Release

 No: bmx1010

9 June 2010

World spotlight falls on Pietermaritzburg for UCI BMX World Championships

PIETERMARITZBURG – The capital city of KwaZulu-Natal shifts into sharp international focus next month with the staging of the UCI BMX World Championships, which now carry extra weight following the cancellation of the 5th round of the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup, presented by SWATCH in Monaco.

The event was initially planned to take stage in the world famous Monaco harbour for 16 and 17 October 2010. Unlike earlier tentative approval, the authorisation to build the unique BMX Supercross track in Monaco harbour was declined for this year.

“It’s very unfortunate that we had to cancel the final round in Monaco. We put in quite an effort, together with the local promoter, to make it happen. But unfortunately the local authorities did not approve the only location suitable for the BMX Supercross track,” says Johan Lindstrom, UCI BMX sports coordinator.

This means that the focus of the global BMX community now falls squarely in Pietermaritzburg for the Worlds from 29 July to 1 August. This event will be beamed to an unprecedented number of global television viewers thanks to a groundbreaking broadcast deal that has signed 24 major global TV stations to broadcast the event, with another ten expressing interest in carrying the signal.

Included in the channels which will definitely be screening the action are of course local sports channels SuperSport, but the racing will also be beamed all round the world with the likes of sport’s broadcasting heavyweights ESPN, Eurosport and Sky all taking feeds.

“We are delighted that the world’s media will be focusing on Pietermaritzburg for the BMX World Championships,” said LOC boss Alec Lenferna. “This event is the pinnacle of the BMX year and we have just about every big name rider who was at the Beijing Olympics on the entry list.

“BMX is an Olympic sport and is growing at a massive rate. Because it attracts so many young viewers the world media are keen to broadcast the event which means that we have well over 20 of the top international television channels taking a feed, either in the form of live action or recorded highlights packages. "

“The benefit of this type of media coverage to Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa is obvious. And coming as it does so soon after the football World Cup means it just reinforces the concept that South Africa and KZN in particular is a top-class tourist destination."

As well as the television coverage, a huge contingent of cycling media will be converging on Pietermaritzburg with over 70 journalists requesting accreditation to write about or photograph the event so far.

Remaining UCI BMX Supercross World Cup schedule for 2010:
July 29 - Aug 1 - UCI World Championships - Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Sept 17 -18 Supercross #3 - Chula Vista, CA USA Olympic Training Center
Oct 8 - 9 Supercross #4 - Frejus, France – as part of Roc d'Azur

The UCI BMX World Championships takes place at the Royal Showgrounds in Pietermaritzburg from 29 July to 1 August. More information can be found at www.bmxworldchampspmb.co.za

ENDS

UCI BMX World Champs organiser Alec Lenferna (right) discusses arrangements or media at the Royal Showgrounds in Pietermaritzburg with UCI technical delegate Johan Lindstrom. “We are delighted that the world’s media will be focusing on Pietermaritzburg for the BMX World Championships,” said Lenferna.

Dave Macleod/
Gameplan Media