Banyuwangi – The Muncar BMX Circuit in Banyuwangi will become an Olympic-standard supercross circuit and the first of its kind in ASEAN. This gives Banyuwangi a great opportunity to host the World Cycling Championship. (World Cup Series).
The Head Coach of the Indonesian National Cycling Team, Dadang Haries Poernomo, stated that the BMX Supercross circuit in Banyuwangi meets all the criteria and is ready to host the world championship. (World Cup Series). “Banyuwangi will be the only region in Indonesia, and even in ASEAN, to have a supercross circuit at the international level.” In the future, this circuit has the potential to become a reference for world-class racers to train, considering the quality and challenges it offers,” said Dadang, after directly reviewing the progress of the BMX supercross circuit construction in Banyuwangi, Wednesday (4/12/2024).
Dadang visited Banyuwangi along with Track Consultant Tom Ritz, Expert Staff from the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora), PB ISSI Jakarta, BPPW Jatim, and various other related parties. The BMX circuit located in Tembokrejo Village, Muncar District, Banyuwangi is currently undergoing revitalization. The Banyuwangi circuit is being upgraded with facilities, including the addition of a start hill, track, and expansion of the parking area. “This circuit is designed to world-class standards. It is even on par with circuits used for the Olympics.” “This circuit has very high characteristics and difficulty levels, making it a unique and special place,” said Dadang.
The revitalization of the Muncar BMX circuit is a “gift” from the Minister of PUPR for the Asian Games contingent in Guangzhou, China. The construction of this circuit began after the Indonesian BMX team won a gold medal at the Asian Games. “So far, the BMX team has been training at the Banyuwangi circuit, but the existing facilities do not meet the standards for BMX Supercross. Therefore, PB ISSI proposed that the prize be used to build a BMX Supercross circuit in Banyuwangi,” he said.
The circuit was built by Tom Ritz, an American BMX circuit builder who has experience designing tracks for prestigious world BMX events such as the Olympics and other world championships. “The track at the Banyuwangi circuit is currently one of the longest in the world, with a total length of over 400 meters. There are also 7 tracks with different characteristics, providing a greater challenge for both national and international racers,” explained Dadang.
Host of the World Cup Series
Dadang added that the construction of this supercross circuit provides a great opportunity for Indonesia to host one of the World Cup series. Meanwhile, Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani highly appreciates the construction of the supercross circuit in Banyuwangi. According to her, this will bring blessings to Banyuwangi. “With the upcoming world event being held at the Banyuwangi circuit, it will certainly have a positive impact on the economy in Banyuwangi,” said Ipuk.
Previously, the circuit built by the Banyuwangi Regency Government in 2015 was also known as an international standard BMX circuit. Where there are 17 ramps whose construction has been adjusted to the standards of the International Cycling Union, Union Cycliste International. (UCI). The circuit, built on an area of 2 hectares, was first used for the fifth Provincial Sports Week (Porprov) in 2015 when Banyuwangi hosted it.
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