British Cycling has welcomed the opening of a brand new, state-of-the-art BMX Track at Burgess Park in Peckham.
The £1.1 million project has been funded as part of Southwark Council’s Olympic Legacy project, with British Cycling contributing £100,000.
The track forms part of the regeneration of Burgess Park and will become home to Southwark’s Peckham BMX club.
It will be officially revealed at a celebratory event on 16 August, which will be attended by two of the brightest young stars from British BMX – Quillan Isidore and Tre Whyte.
Facilities like this are vital for ensuring the future success of British riders and giving more people the opportunity to get involved in the sport.
Whyte, who was born and brought up in the area, said:
“I started out training at the Peckham track, so I know what this means to the club and to young people in the area. Personally, it would have been amazing to have such a facility when I was growing up. I’m sure so many young people are going to want to take up BMX and I’m proud that the borough I grew up in is investing in it in such a major way.”
The opening event at the track will be filled with plenty of activities and BMX demonstrations to keep the family entertained. Taking place from 12pm to 4pm, there’ll also be the opportunity for budding BMX stars to try Strider bikes and Burgess Cycle Works will be offering free bike repairs and advice throughout the day.
"I started out training at the Peckham track, so I know what this means to the club and to young people in the area. Personally, it would have been amazing to have such a facility when I was growing up."
British Cycling Olympic Academy athlete Tre Whyte on the new track
Peter Cattermole, regional development manager for British Cycling, said:
“British Cycling is very pleased to partner with Southwark council and other funders to build this fantastic new cycling facility. The Burgess Park BMX track will allow many more young people to participate in BMX, which has seen a huge growth in interest since the London Olympics. This National Standard track will allow people at all levels to enjoy BMX and I’m sure that some will go on to compete at the highest level.”
Councillor Veronica Ward, cabinet member for culture, leisure, sport and volunteering, added:
“Just over a year ago we were all amazed by the talents of some of the world’s greatest athletes during the Olympic Games. We’re proud to be able to continue this legacy with a first class BMX track, one of the few of this standard in the country. The BMX track comes complete with the kind of facilities young people need in order to progress their sporting careers.”
