What's Happening in Geelong, VIC…

Geelong, Victoria, is all set to attract key BMX competition fixtures following the upgrade of the Grinter Reserve track.

The upgrade has boosted the facility’s standard to national levels, opening the way for it to hold some of the country’s top performance events.

The refurbished track was officially opened recently in the presence of representatives from the state government, Geelong Council and Geelong BMX Club.

The upgrade means poster printing for events would now include some of the nation’s most prestigious meets and most accomplished riders.

Hosting national and state events in Geelong, Cr John Irvine said, had not been an option in the past.

Included in the works was a track reconfiguration that Cr Irvine said would increase the hill height of starts, as is necessary for staging international races. In addition, the entire track has been raised to allow for better drainage.

The upgrade has also boosted local interest, with membership numbers already up for 2015.

Cr Irvine said more members translated into a boost in the number of local riders getting healthier and more active, with more opportunities to interact with some of Australia’s and the region’s best riders.

Potential events that were now able to be held at the Geelong BMX Club, according to Cr Irvine, included Probikx Tour, National Champbikx Series, Masters Games and the National Championships.