BMX Worlds return to U.S. in 2017

The UCI BMX World Championships are returning to the United States for the first time in 16 years as the Union Cycliste Internationale has announced Rock Hill, S.C., will play host to the 2017 event at the Novant Health BMX Supercross Track.

The UCI BMX World Championship has not been held on American soil since 2001, when Louisville, Ky., played host. Three-thousand amateur and 300 pro racers are expected to compete in the world championship, which will be held July 26-30, 2017, with practice days on July 24-25.

"The return of the UCI BMX World Championships to the United States in 2017 will mark the first time these championships have been held on American home soil since BMX was added to the Olympic Games," said USA Cycling President and CEO Steve Johnson. "The Rock Hill facility is home to one of the world’s finest BMX tracks; and the local organizing committee staff and community leaders have worked tirelessly to secure this bid and we congratulate them on the success of their efforts."

A bid launched by the city of Rock Hill about three months ago culminated in the awarding of the world championship by the UCI.

"Rock Hill is thrilled to be selected to host the 2017 BMX World Championships, joining a list of great cities like Birmingham, Auckland, and Rotterdam," said Rock Hill's City Manager David Vehaun. "Hosting the world championships solidifies Rock Hill’s commitment as a premier cycling destination."

Rock Hill’s BMX Supercross track is expected to open in August and already has several events scheduled for late 2014.

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