US Olympic BMX team members were full of praise for Cyclopark, Europe’s largest cycling venue, when they tested the World Class track, near Gravesend, on Tuesday 16 August.
The ten US team riders were practising at the new multimillion-pound sports facility ahead of an international championship meeting at the London Olympic test event on 19-20 August.
USA Cycling BMX Programs Director, Mike King, said:
“This is a fantastic track and will offer exciting riding for all levels – from recreational BMX-ers to riders at the top of the game. It will challenge people for years to come and we look forward to making it back for some training in the future.”
The park will continue to work with international teams to promote the facilities on offer and create the next generation of Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
Kent County Council Deputy Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Waste, David Brazier, who is the council’s cycling champion, said:
“This is a wonderful opportunity to get feedback from such high class competitors. They were all extremely positive about the facilities at Cyclopark and impressed by the range of cycling and other activities we will have on offer here. We will continue to develop the site and work to engage the local community in all aspects of this development.”
Cyclopark’s state-of-the-art BMX track was designed and built by Clark & Kent Contractors. One of the world’s leaders in the field, the firm has developed tracks in the United States and the UK, and was involved in preparing the London Olympic BMX track.
Clark Bridgett, one of the company owners, said:
“We are delighted to have been involved in this project and that the track has received the seal of approval from the US Olympic BMX team – their riders are some of the best in the world.
“When Cyclopark opens next year, we hope riders from across the South East area will recognise what a fantastic facility it is, and that it will be the training ground for tomorrow’s Olympic champions.”
There are many updated pictures of the development showing the completed Tarmac Circuit and also the BMC track available by visiting
imagesoutheast.smugmug.com.