July 23, 2004 (Victoria, BC) – The 2007 World BMX Championships have been awarded to Victoria, B.C. the International Cycling Union (UCI) announced today. Bicycle Motocross (BMX) racing started in the 1970s and has since grown into an internationally recognized sport. It is one of the newest Olympic sports, and will make its debut at the 2008 Olympic Summer Games in Beijing, China.

“The Canadian Cycling Association and the Victoria bid committee worked hard and long on this bid proposal and certainly deserved to be awarded this event,” said Les Underwood, Vice-President of the PacificSport Victoria. “This city has solid event experience that came through both in the proposal and site visit last month.”

It is anticipated that more than over 2000 competitors from over 40 countries will attend the 2007 World BMX Championships, which was also bid on by Adelaide, AUS. With the Olympic Games around the corner, many countries will be using the event as part of their selection criteria for Beijing.

“The Canadian Cycling Association is excited to once again partner with PacificSport Victoria in bringing this important international event to Canada” stated Brett Stewart, Acting Director General, Canadian Cycling Association. Bill Kinash, President of the Canadian Cycling Association adds “We’re thrilled that Canada
will be hosting another World’s . The Olympic announcement has already been a catalyst for enthusiasm and growth within the BMX community and has accelerated the development of related CCA programs. Hosting the BMX World’s in the pre-Olympic year will further heighten the excitement and visibility of the sport”

The event will be held in the Greater Victoria area, with the main competition taking place at the Juan de Fuca Velodrome. More than 200 volunteers will be required to help make the 3-day event a success.

For more information, contact:Les Underwood, Vice President, PacificSport Victoria, (250) 744-5520 Brett Stewart, Acting Director General, Canadian Cycling Association, (613) 248-1353