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Zolder's BMX track renovation complete, ready for world-class competitions

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • The BMX track in Zolder has undergone a multi-million euro renovation to meet UCI standards and prepare for future international competitions, including the 2029 World Championships.
  • The renovation involved a complete reconstruction of the track by HTracks, extending its length, improving the surface, and upgrading infrastructure like drainage and timing systems.
  • The 1.8 million euro project was funded by Sport Vlaanderen, the municipality of Heusden-Zolder, Circuit Zolder, and the National Lottery, with the Flemish Cycling School providing guidance.

The BMX track at Circuit Zolder is ready for the future after a significant renovation, aiming to host top-tier international events, including the 2029 World Championships. Cycling Manager Marc Wauters proudly presented the revamped facility, emphasizing its upgrade to meet current UCI standards.

The BMX track in Zolder is ready for the future: "This track belongs to the world elite."

— Marc WautersCycling Manager Marc Wauters expressing pride in the renovated BMX track.

The extensive work, costing 1.8 million euros, was carried out by the French company HTracks. They completely rebuilt the track, extending it by 20 meters and improving the surface, drainage, and timing systems. "According to the new standards, our 15-meter run-off area had become too short, so we had to extend it to 35 meters," Wauters explained. "We then decided to tackle the entire course at once."

According to the new standards, our 15-meter run-off area had become too short, so we had to extend it to 35 meters. We then decided to tackle the entire course at once.

— Marc WautersExplaining the necessity and scope of the renovation project.

With the track now considered among the world's best, the focus shifts to finishing touches like fencing, new lighting, a sanitary block, and a spectator stand for 600 people. While the grass is newly sown, Wauters is optimistic about hosting international competitions for the next 15 years, culminating in the 2029 World Championships.

With all these adjustments, this track belongs to the world elite in terms of BMX courses.

— Marc WautersHighlighting the improved quality of the renovated track.

The project's funding was a collaborative effort, with Sport Vlaanderen contributing 50%, the municipality of Heusden-Zolder 25%, Circuit Zolder investing 300,000 euros, and the National Lottery adding 150,000 euros. BMX club members who tested the new track offered rave reviews, noting its increased speed and improved features for both elite riders and younger generations.

It's much faster than before. In the corners, you can maintain more speed. It's also a good track for the younger generation to prepare for the elite, because there's a lot of jumping. The faster you get used to it, the better.

— Dieter BraunsA member of BMX club Zolder sharing his positive experience with the new track.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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