Riders from around New Zealand are meeting at Cambridge Park today to test out the newly opened BMX Track.

A culmination of four years of hard work by Tauranga BMX Club saw the new track and park at 280 Cambridge Road officially opened at 10am this morning, making way for an afternoon of racing in the first Tauranga meet in the National Qualifying Series.

More than 400 riders, and hundreds of spectators turned out for the opening and event organiser Jillian Peck says the day is 'just awesome”.

Tauranga BMX Club riders Catherine Robinson and Maree McGarva race at the National Qualifying Series on the new track at Cambridge Park.

'There are hundreds of people watching. We had the opening ceremony this morning where we cut the ribbon before all the Tauranga riders did a group ride around the track.”

Jillian says the Tauranga club members have worked extremely hard with the support of sponsors and Tauranga City Council to get the new track up and running after it was decided by council to develop the former track at Sulphur Point for marine use.

'This track is more geared up for riders of all levels, not just one age group. I think we actually grew out of the old site at Sulphur Point.”

Tauranga BMX Club member and project supporter Pete Roden says the track is of international standard and will allow the club to host major events in the city, while also providing a great way for young people and families to gain and improve their fitness and cycling skills.

'BMX lets you burn energy in a constructive way, socialise with your peers and learn about winning and losing in competitive cycling if you choose to.

'We are excited about what this new track means for cycling in the Western Bay.”

The new approximately 450m track also features a pro section for elite riders.

Jillian says the next step is to install a clubhouse for meetings and events, and develop the rest of the surrounding land with more greenery and mountain biking tracks to create a reserve type atmosphere to the park.

The club is also looking to build a pump track for BMX training.

Jillian says this is the biggest BMX event Tauranga has hosted in the last two years, due to the new track being built, attracting riders from as far as Christchurch, Whangarei, Gisbourne and New Plymouth.

The track was opened by Mayor Stuart Crosby, TCC councillors and staff, Neil Holden from PowerCo and members of BMX New Zealand, along with local club representatives.

The Tauranga BMX Club wishes to thank all their sponsors, funding agencies, club members and committee who have helped achieve the new facility.