Chopwell to host world championship competition qualifier
Velosolutions Pump Track in Chopwell has won a bid to host a prestigious international competition, the 2025 Velosolutions UCI Pump Track World Championships Qualifier, on Sunday 15 June - the only track of the competition in the UK.
A 'pump track' is a circular track built for cyclists to go around without pedaling, meaning they rely on a 'pumping' motion to keep moving. the track in Chopwell is one of just 20 tracks worldwide that won a bid to host this year's Pump Track World Championship Qualifier events.
The other host track countries span all major continents and include Sweden, Nepal, Australia and China, Canada, South Africa the USA and more. The Pump Track World Championships are a world-renowned racing series held annually, where pump track venues from around the world host qualifying events which culminate in a world championship final. The event welcomes riders from various bike sports to compete on an equal platform, enabling local heroes to compete against top talents.
The success of the winning bid was down to Iván Diaz Burlinson and Ride Chopwell, supported by the council. Ride Chopwell, a community organisation, aim to foster social cohesion and access to health and wellbeing practices by hosting activities at the track, which offer sociable and fun ways to get fit and develop riding skills on bikes, boards, scooters or skateboards. Ride Chopwell, with our support, hopes that through this project they will contribute to the wider regeneration of the area.
The Velosolutions Pump Track qualifier will be a free event for everyone to come and cheer on the riders and enjoy the atmosphere. This qualifier event is part of a full festival weekend running from 10am to 4pm on both Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Saturday 14 June will feature races for the juniors (ranging from U10 to U17), masters (40+), and scooters, while the elite category showdown takes place on Sunday 15 June. The event will be packed with street food vendors, merchandise stalls, and live music, creating a fantastic atmosphere in the heart of the community. Everyone is welcome to come along, enjoy the spectacle, and cheer on the riders, with access to the event easier than ever with public transports routes and nearby parking.
Councillor Angela Douglas, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism said: "We're delighted that the Velosolutions Pump Track in Chopwell has been chosen to host a qualifier for the UCI Pump Track World Championships. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our vibrant community and brilliant local facilities on the World stage. It's also a huge boost for the area, highlighting how projects like Ride Chopwell are helping to make Gateshead a great place to live, work and visit."
Iván Diaz Burlinson from Ride Chopwell added: "Securing this event is a dream come true for our community. It's a testament to the hard work of everyone involved in developing the Velosolutions Pump Track and shows what can be achieved when we work together. We can't wait to welcome riders and spectators from near and far to experience the amazing atmosphere here in Chopwell."
Velosolutions Pump Track in Chopwell has won a bid to host a prestigious international competition, the 2025 Velosolutions UCI Pump Track World Championships Qualifier, on Sunday 15 June - the only track of the competition in the UK.
A 'pump track' is a circular track built for cyclists to go around without pedaling, meaning they rely on a 'pumping' motion to keep moving. the track in Chopwell is one of just 20 tracks worldwide that won a bid to host this year's Pump Track World Championship Qualifier events.
The other host track countries span all major continents and include Sweden, Nepal, Australia and China, Canada, South Africa the USA and more. The Pump Track World Championships are a world-renowned racing series held annually, where pump track venues from around the world host qualifying events which culminate in a world championship final. The event welcomes riders from various bike sports to compete on an equal platform, enabling local heroes to compete against top talents.
The success of the winning bid was down to Iván Diaz Burlinson and Ride Chopwell, supported by the council. Ride Chopwell, a community organisation, aim to foster social cohesion and access to health and wellbeing practices by hosting activities at the track, which offer sociable and fun ways to get fit and develop riding skills on bikes, boards, scooters or skateboards. Ride Chopwell, with our support, hopes that through this project they will contribute to the wider regeneration of the area.
The Velosolutions Pump Track qualifier will be a free event for everyone to come and cheer on the riders and enjoy the atmosphere. This qualifier event is part of a full festival weekend running from 10am to 4pm on both Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Saturday 14 June will feature races for the juniors (ranging from U10 to U17), masters (40+), and scooters, while the elite category showdown takes place on Sunday 15 June. The event will be packed with street food vendors, merchandise stalls, and live music, creating a fantastic atmosphere in the heart of the community. Everyone is welcome to come along, enjoy the spectacle, and cheer on the riders, with access to the event easier than ever with public transports routes and nearby parking.
Councillor Angela Douglas, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism said: "We're delighted that the Velosolutions Pump Track in Chopwell has been chosen to host a qualifier for the UCI Pump Track World Championships. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our vibrant community and brilliant local facilities on the World stage. It's also a huge boost for the area, highlighting how projects like Ride Chopwell are helping to make Gateshead a great place to live, work and visit."
Iván Diaz Burlinson from Ride Chopwell added: "Securing this event is a dream come true for our community. It's a testament to the hard work of everyone involved in developing the Velosolutions Pump Track and shows what can be achieved when we work together. We can't wait to welcome riders and spectators from near and far to experience the amazing atmosphere here in Chopwell."
