A year after facing possible extinction, Launceston BMX Club is back on track thanks to this week's announced return of the Australian championships.
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Last year, having secured its first national titles in a quarter of a century, the club embarked on major redesigns and improvements to get the St Leonards venue up to the required standard.
But then COVID hit and the week-long event, originally scheduled for March, was first postponed and eventually cancelled.
"It was called off with six days to go," said vice-president Nathan Woolley.
"We were $15,000 in debt and about to have to close the club."
Salvation arrived on Monday when AusCycling confirmed venues for the 2022 calendar and awarded the national BMX titles back to Launceston, to the delight of the club's hard-working team.
"We're very lucky to be fitted in but I think they had to give it to us again," president Matt Manshanden said.
"Now we've got a track ready to go but this time last year we were in no man's land."
Among the riders set to benefit is 10-year-old Perth Primary pupil Indy Woolley who warmly welcomed the news.
I have never been to a big event so I'll be excited to take part
- Indy Woolley, 10
"I have never been to a big event so I'll be excited to take part," she said. "I've taken part in Track Attack in Melbourne and the Victorian titles and it'll be really good to see all my friends from different parts of Australia."
The titles feature competitive age groups from eight upwards plus junior elite, cruiser and super class.
They are expected to attract between 3500 and 4000 riders, most bringing additional family supporters and placing such a demand on Launceston accommodation that last year some visitors were booked to stay as far away as Devonport.
One of three BMX clubs in Tasmania, Launceston has about 180 members and has been based next door to the athletics and hockey venues at St Leonards for 30 years.