Christmas has come early for a £250,000 national standard BMX track in Shropshire with the installation of a new floodlights system.
Wrekin Riders BMX Race Club operate at Dawley in Telford and the floodlights mean the track can now operate during the week through the winter and will attract riders from across the region.
The progressive club has developed into one of the best in the country and the addition of floodlighting makes training and racing at the track an attractive proposition for both existing and potential new riders of all standards.
The club, sponsored by National Windscreens, boasts two riders who secured British Number 3 titles this year – Callum Edwards, 17, and Archie Smallman, aged 6.
Kieran Edwards, club chairman and coach, said the floodlights took the club to a new level and would offer the club riders additional time to train and develop.
The club is due to host two rounds of the British BMX Series in 2018 along with a regional round and the Midlands Championships.
“Having floodlights sets us aside from the majority of other tracks – the nearest national standard tracks to Telford with floodlights are in Birmingham, Derby and Redditch,” he said.
“This means we are going to be an attractive alternative for riders who are looking to train and practice during the week in the winter months and are only able to do that in the evenings.
“Our practice sessions at a weekend are extremely well supported and give the riders the opportunity to ride and get the feel of a national standard track.
“These regular visits to facilities like ours are vital in preparing them for progression in the sport.
“Now our floodlights have been installed it takes our already impressive track to an entirely different level and means riders can get more practice sessions in or tailor their practice needs to a more convenient and flexible system.
“As tracks with similar facilities are few and far between I am certain we will be seeing many more riders of all standards coming to Telford to take advantage of what we have to offer.”
The club and Mr Edwards scooped three awards at this year’s Shropshire Telford and Wrekin Energize Awards with Mr Edwards reaching the final three of the Unsung Hero Award in the Midlands.
Wrekin Riders is a voluntary run not-for-profit community club with a very small number of volunteers. The track has also become a feature on the national BMX calendar by hosting the British BMX Series.
The track, sponsored by National Windscreens, caters for riders of all standards and ages and even has its own National Windscreens Balance Bike track for pre-school children.
For more information about the club email wrekinriders@outlook.com or follow them on Facebook @WrekinRiders
