Councillors Steven Threllfall, Anthony Brophy, AusCycling chief executive Marne Fechner, reigning national champion Hayden Fletcher, Olympic champion Saya Sakakibara, City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali and Greater Shepparton Council chief executive Fiona Le Gassick.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Hayden Fletcher was among the dignitaries present as Shepparton was officially announced as the host city for two rounds of the BMX Racing World Cup in 2028 ahead of the Olympics.
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The event, which will take place on February 19 and 20 of that year, will see rounds three and four of the illustrious competition staged at the new-look Shepparton BMX Track.
Welcoming thousands of expected visitors to the venue over the coming weekend, the tournament represents a chance to showcase its enhanced track and new multi-use events pavilion to a global audience following its opening in 2025.
Representatives from AusCycling and Greater Shepparton City Council were present for the grand reveal, just moments before the opening ceremony of the 2026 GWM BMX Racing National Championships in the city.
Elite Men’s defending champion Fletcher, who grew up in Shepparton, was among those present for the announcement, while Elite Women’s counterpart Saya Sakakibara also was there for the city’s big day.
“The Shepparton council and the BMX community really get behind any BMX event,” Fletcher said.
“I can only imagine how much bigger and better it is going to get.”
In the case of the latter, she medalled last time Shepparton hosted a major BMX event, while also having a long-standing relationship with the area, having competed here previously.
The three-time World Cup winner felt the time was right for the city to get its moment in lights, with the Olympics hero having experienced the region’s unique relationship with BMX first hand.
“It’s a really big opportunity to showcase Australia.”
For Shepparton, having a World Cup event in an Olympic year is a really big deal,” Sakakibara said.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali spoke with pride as he looked forward to the impact that the BMX Racing World Cup can have on inspiring the next generation of performers in the world of cycling and beyond.
AusCycling chief executive Marne Fechner also welcomed the chance to provide Shepparton with an opportunity to demonstrate its ability to host world-class events, while providing athletes with a springboard for success at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
“We are delighted to welcome the UCI BMX Racing World Cup back to Australian soil, creating an opportunity to showcase Shepparton and Victoria as a world-class host of major events.
“Hosting the UCI BMX Racing World Cup will be extremely beneficial for Australian athletes ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
“It’s also a win for Australian fans and supporters, who will have the chance to watch the world’s best BMX Racing athletes in action.”
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