Knowsley will play host to dozens of biking enthusiasts this month as they descend upon the area for the North Region BMX Championships.
The event, which anybody from the age of six upwards can participate in, will take place on 30th March, with over 250 people expected to attend at the Knowsley Velodrome & BMX Park.
It is being organised between Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park (KLCP), the Knowsley BMX Club, which is based there, and North Region BMX. Between them they oversee risk assessment, catering, parking and other key aspects of the event.
Richard Bates, who is the treasurer of the BMX Club, told JMU Journalism: “The event is fantastic to watch, and will give a much-needed boost to the sport in the area. We have had some really positive feedback from riders, schools and Knowsley Council, who are supporting the event.”
Councillor Eddie Connor, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Community and Culture, is excited to see how much people enjoy the championships.
He told JMU Journalism: “It’s going to be spectacular. We’re expecting a good few hundred people to turn up, and by that I mean not just participants but people watching, as well. There’ll be a lot of races, and other things for people to do.”
Cllr Connor feels that the quality of Knowsley’s cycling facilities has played a big part in attracting people to events such as the BMX Championships, saying: “They’re excellent. We’ve tried hard to make things blend together, from the cycle paths to the velodrome itself, and so on.
“The regionals attract riders from across the North of England, and sometimes beyond. This is the first time this track has had the opportunity to host such an event, and it’s the first one of the season, so we are hopeful of a good turnout.”
Registration and practice sessions will begin at 9am on the day, while the competitive races will begin at 12 noon. Participants can register when they arrive, or pre-register at www.britishcycling.com.