Australia has been awarded the right to host the 2009 BMX World Championships by the International Cycling Union.

The Championships will be held indoors at the Wayville Showground, Adelaide with organisers expecting around 1800 entrants from an anticipated 35 countries.

BMX Australia National President Graham Arnold says the event will provide a fabulous opportunity for competitors from the southern hemisphere.

“It is not well known that BMX Australia has the second largest competitor membership in the world, and events of this magnitude allow those riders to experience the excitement of world class competition in their own backyard,” said Arnold of the event from which 600 Australians can qualify across a range of divisions and age groups.

“The inclusion of BMX into the Olympics has seen strong growth at all levels”, he said. “Although it (Olympics) will directly impact on only five elite (Australian) athletes, the fact is the increased profile of BMX will benefit everyone in the BMX community."

Cycling Australia President, Mike Victor, who is in Salzburg, Austria where the UCI Commission meeting was held, says the event will again showcase Australia's expertise in mounting major events.

"Australia has a fabulous track record in organising major sporting events and SA Events has extensive cycling experience," said Mr Victor.

"We look forward to welcoming the world's star BMX riders to South Australia for what, I am sure will be a hugely successful Championships."

Cycling Australia