FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 30, 2024 — Sicamous will be the only Canadian host of the UCI Pump Track World Championship qualifiers. On September 7, racers will travel from all over the country to compete for their spot in the world championship.

This Explore Sicamous event will be hosted at the district-owned pump track located at Finlayson Park.

“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,” shares Carly Procyshyn, tourism and economic development manager for the District of Sicamous Development Corporation. “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.”

The UCI Pump Track World Championships are a global pump track racing series that will be concluded in the final competition in South Africa this November.

During the qualifier event, riders will complete two timed runs in an attempt to secure the fastest lap around the track. The fastest racers will be invited to compete in the finals, where they will get one timed run.

A wide range of ages are invited to participate in the September 7 competition. The youngest group of competitors are classified as U9, and the qualifier will offer groupings up to the Masters Class, which accommodates racers 40 and over.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on September 8, experienced racers will offer their skills to new riders during a “Learn to Ride” session on the track.

“We’re looking forward to being the Canadian host,” says Mayor Colleen Anderson. “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 can watch the action for free at 1117 Eagle Pass Way. The first race begins at 11:30 a.m. Anyone can register to compete in the qualifier! For registration and event details, please visit https://pumptrackworldchampionships.com/. We look forward to hosting all those who choose to come race or spectate.

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For additional information, please contact:

Campton Hancock, Communications & Legislative Coordinator

• P: 250-836-2477 ext. 2042
• E: chancock@sicamous.ca

Background Information

• Pump tracks are circuits including rolling mounds and banked corners. To complete the circuit, riders use their body to push and pull the bike (“pump”) through the track and gain momentum without pedal strokes.
• In February 2023, the district released a survey to gauge public interest in a pump track. Of the 532 respondents, 77 per cent were in favour.
• The construction of the pump track was enabled by $250K from the Sicamous & Area E Economic Opportunity Fund.
• In August 2023, the District of Sicamous council wrote a letter expressing support for the Explore Sicamous bid to host the UCI Pump Track World Championship Qualifier. Just one year later, the pump track is complete and Sicamous prepares to host the qualifier.
• The Sicamous Pump Track opened to the public on July 26, 2024 and has been well-received by locals and the region.