As the only Canadian host of the UCI Pump Track World Championships qualifiers, Sicamous is gearing up for the event on Sept. 7.
Next weekend, riders from across the country will be wheeling into town to compete for a spot in the world championship finals, set to take place in South Africa on Nov. 9.
“The District of Sicamous and Velosolutions have built a world-class pump track that is a huge asset to the community and will be a great event space to host competitions for years to come,” Carly Procyshyn, tourism and economic development manager with the Sicamous Development Corporation, said in a media release. “We are very excited to welcome athletes of all ages and abilities to compete in the only Canadian stop on the UCI Pump Track World Championship qualifiers.”
During the event, riders will compete in two timed runs in an attempt to make the fastest lap around the track, with the top racers invited to compete in the finals. The event includes a number of age groups, from U9 to the Masters Class, which accommodates bikers 40 and up.
Following race day, experienced riders will share their skills with the up-and-comers in a Learn to Ride session on the track from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 8.
“We’re looking forward to being the Canadian host,” Sicamous Mayor Colleen Anderson added in the release. “While this is a great main event to kick off our new pump track, it is also an amazing addition to our community that will continue to attract participants who aspire to be at a qualifying level in the future or just enjoy pump tracking for fun and practice.”
Spectators are invited to catch the action for free at the track in Finlayson Park. Three new bleachers have recently been installed at the venue, in addition to the standing room. The first race begins at 11:30 a.m.
Anyone can register to compete in the event at pumptrackworldchampionships.com, with all event details available there as well.
