First BMX track in Ireland Autor: Administrator (marek.psenicka@centrum.cz), Téma: News BMX, Source: www.connachtcycling.com Vydáno dne 16. 02. 2010 (3254 přečtení) BMX TRACK OPEN IN BALLINROBE Cycling legend Sean Kelly and Mayo Olympian David O Loughlin officially opened The Western Lakes BMX track on the Kilmaine road Ballinrobe Co Mayo. Sean and David have pitted their skills in professional bike races around the world today it was time to see what they are like using BMX bikes over a course with bumps, jumps and curved corners. Sean decided against the unfamiliar BMX bikes and tried out the course on his racer while the large contingent watched on who were all taking part in the Sean Kelly training weekend hosted by Brendan Quigley Partry. Club members have worked (Volunteered) tireless around the clock to get Ireland’s newest BMX track operational. A track like this normally cost in the region of €50000 to build, which shows how resourceful the club has been in the past 12 months. The aim is to get kids trying out cycling by teaching them how to BMX in a safe protected environment from road traffic, it is also hoped that with Coaching and Training that some of these kids would be Talent ID for the next Olympics in 2012 or 2016 as BMX is now a recognised Olympic discipline. The track has 7 curved banked corners and 23 jumps/bumps, some are double jumps which can used for jumping and landing. The BMX Track also has a 300m oval grass track on the outside of its boundary which can be used for grass track racing Western Lakes Cycling Club can now boast the fact that they have a real quality centre of excellence that has a building, meetings rooms, and a hall for fitness/ spin classes and changing rooms etc. They share these facilities with the local Boxing club and scouts so that maximum use is made of the facility. The club has purchased some BMX bikes for use, and it is hoped that grant aid will be sought to buy some more so that full scale competitions can be organised on the track. All of these facilities would not have came about without the support and help of Mayo County Council, Mayo Enterprise Board, and the South West Development Company. The club would like to thank JP Ryan Lake valley Developments , Padraig Horan Construction, Ballinrobe Tool hire and all the Volunteers who helped with the construction of this fabulous facility for the South Mayo town. More info on www.connachtcycling.com and HERE.