BIKERS cheered at the opening of a brand new BMX track on Sunday.

The official opening of the eagerly anticipated track, which has been rebuilt with funding from Sport England and North Herts District Council, has been home to the Royston Rockets BMX Racing Club for over thirty years.

Both Royston MP Oliver Heald and the Mayor of Royston, Cllr Robert Smith, turned out to see the track. It will hold its first regional event this month in an event which will see over 200 riders from across East Anglia and beyond competing.

Royston Rockets Chairman, Phil Townsend, said: “It is absolutely fantastic, it’s been a pretty amazing journey as it’s come together so quickly. It is outstanding and is the county’s only regional level BMX track. BMX is a different sport for people to try and we now have fantastic facilities that are up there with the best in the country.”

Cllr Smith said: “I think some other towns are going to be a little envious of this excellent new facility, funded by Sport England’s legacy Inspired Facilities’ fund, and by developer contributions administered by NHDC.”

Cllr Tony Hunter, Royston district councillor and the district council’s portfolio holder for Policy and Community Services, said: “The Royston Rockets new BMX track is one of the hidden jewels in Royston’s crown. It has been a great project to be involved with. It is now recognised as one of the top tracks in the region, and it will benefit club members and the Royston community for many years to come.”

After the ribbon had been cut, 171 riders from the Eastern region BMX Clubs of Royston, Milton Keynes, Peterborough, Ipswich, Norwich, Walpole and Braintree competed on the new track, which now complies to the national BMX standards.

Royston Rockets has around 100 members. For further information visit www.roystonrockets.co.uk or call the club secretary on 01763 260959.