MEDELLIN, 19 June 2013 – The global sport community has again recognised the big event capability of the Colombian city of Medellín – this time as the International Cycling Union (UCI) selected the 2018 Youth Olympic Games bid city to host the BMX World Championships in 2016.
The confidence from world sporting bodies continues to shine in Colombia and in particular for Medellín, which has experienced an influx of major events following its hosting of the 2010 South American Games. Other past and future international events held in Colombia include the FIFA U-20 World Cup (2011), the World Games in Cali (July/Aug 2013), the World Cup of Archery in Medellin (July 2013), and the FIFA Futsal World Cup (2016).
"We're delighted that Medellín, the 'City of the Eternal Spring' in the Andes Mountains, will be our host city in 2016 for the UCI BMX World Championships," said UCI President Pat McQuaid. "The event will take place on a brand new track built in the city's existing cycling complex."
This news greatly bolsters Medellín’s bid for staging the 2018 Youth Olympic Games. While cycling is already one of Colombia’s top sports, the popularity of BMX has exploded in recent years thanks in part to the incredible success of Colombian riders at the London 2012 Olympics, with Mariana Pajón taking the women’s gold medal and Carlos Oquendo the bronze in the men’s competition.
As a result of this spike in popularity, a new state-of-the art BMX venue is already under construction in Medellín’s existing Parque de las Ruedas cycling complex. This represents the only permanent venue needed for the Youth Olympic Games bid, as all other venues are existing and in use -- thanks to the legacy of the 2010 South American Games that left the city with an entire slate of modern venues to practice sport and organise major events.
As an ambassador for the bid and resident of Medellín, Pajón is especially pleased with the announcement. "I am so excited as this is more good news for our country and another dream come true," said the BMX World Champion, who brought home only the second gold medal in Colombia’s history from London. "The world continues to realise that Medellín has a deep experience in organising sport competition and that it’s a safe and attractive location to bring events. The Youth Olympic Games would an ideal next step for the city, and truly would be the perfect fit for Medellín."
With more than 90 participating countries and 500 participating athletes, the 2016 BMX competition will be the last stop of the global qualifying process for the 2016 Rio Olympics that will bring added significance to the event and showcase one of the world’s top BMX venues.
For more information contact: Organization: Medellin 2018
E-mail: media@medellin2018.org
Phone: + 57 4 - 2606786
URL: http://www.medellin2018.org/
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