Greater Shepparton is looking to be heading into another year of cycling celebrations with a number of high-class cycling events secured for the region.
AusCycling announced their 2021 calendar this week, awarding Greater Shepparton as the host city for two state BMX events.
Round 1 and Round 2 of the State Series will be held at the Shepparton BMX Track on February 20 and 21 as well as the State Championships on October 8-10 next year.
The State Series events will see upwards of 300 entries and based on previous State Championships held in the region in 2011, 2015 and 2016 it is anticipated the event will attract in excess of 600 to 800 entries and around 2,000 visitors from right around Australia staying in our region for 3 to 4 nights providing an economic boost over $1 million to our community.
These two events are in addition to last week's announcement of the Junior Road Nationals returning to Greater Shepparton in September 2021. These events announcements have come off the back of successfully hosting the 2019 BMX National Championships and this year's Australian BMX National Series and UCI Supercross BMX World Cup.
"It's our state-of-the-art facilities which allow us to secure these prestigious events and position us as the leading sporting events capital of regional Australia," Mayor Councillor Kim O'Keeffe said.
"Council has invested in upgrading the Shepparton BMX track at the Shepparton Sport City Precinct which has included installation of 200 lux lighting to allow for night time events as well as the construction of Victoria's only eight metre start hill. It's fantastic to see these investments recognised as one of the best, not only in Victoria but in Australia.
"Our visitor economy has had a tough year and securing events of this calibre will be a big boost to our accommodation, retail, hospitality and tourist attractions sectors helping support local jobs and our economy."
As restrictions continue to ease across Victoria, Greater Shepparton City Council will be working with AusCycling and the State and Federal Governments to continually monitor and adhere to COVID-19 requirements.
"We look forward to strengthening our relationship with AusCycling over the coming months and welcoming some of Australia's best riders to our region," Cr O'Keeffe said.
