World BMX Championships

Andrew Layman:  PCB CEO

The organisers of the just-completed World BMX Championships estimated that the event would inject more than R20 million into the local economy.   Almost a thousand competitors from over thirty countries were here for up to a week preparing and participating.    They came with their team supporters and members of their families to a city they had probably never heard of before.   And, from all accounts, they were mightily impressed.     It is interesting to consider just how much the environment of the city affects competitors in an event of this nature.  After all, they are visitors for a specific competitive purpose and it is the organisation of the event itself that is likely to affect their enjoyment more than any other factor.    But, as the World Cup showed so unequivocally, there are no substitutes for warmth and hospitality.    Residential comfort and a pleasant environment in which to relax, are also important factors.   Convenience is also key.   When the MTB (Mountain Biking) World Cup was held here last year, the location of the track at Cascades was regarded as a principle factor in the cyclists’ enjoyment of the event.     Like the BMX track, the MTB track was highly regarded for its technical excellence, but the proximity of the Cascades Centre and banks, for example, made life that much easier for competitors who, by all accounts, were accustomed to riding on tracks far removed from built-up areas.

As I write, the logistical plan that saw so many tons of soil brought on to the Showgrounds arena, has been reversed, and the track is being dismantled.   The soil will be used to build another as a legacy for the city, I believe.   As we watched from our office, the emergence of this track, we were amazed at the resourcefulness of the planners, the track designers and the builders.   It rose from nowhere and, amazingly to us, held together for the duration of the event.     What heavy rain might have done to it was anyone’s guess, but then this time of the year was not chosen by accident.   Indeed, what a good time of the year it is.   During the soccer tournament, Durban was quick to capitalise on our mild, sunny winter climate and it is certainly a significant reason why sporting events should be staged here.

The potential of our city to host sporting events remains unfulfilled, notwithstanding the fact that we do have some very important ones.    As the city progresses, we hope to see the introduction of an agency dedicated to the promotion of the city as a wonderful destination for events.    This will need to ensure that we maximise the opportunities that we have already and consciously exploit the many more that could be found.    Spectator support for the BMX event was pleasing.   But there was little evidence that the city or its broader population had embraced it.    This was a world event, broadcast by television to umpteen countries by nearly thirty major TV networks.    It was even possible to see several hours of the competition on Supersport – and not late at night when the less fancied sports are often broadcast.    Where were the banners and the bunting showing that the city valued the influx of visitors?   Where were the advertising banners of local companies to show that they, too, recognise just how important it is for a city to become caught up in the events that mark its status and reputation?     Despite the excellence of the organisation, by local people by the way, an event of this magnitude may not come our way again unless we get it right.    It is worth considering what we were told by the President of the UCI (the international cycling body) who is also a member of the IOC.   He said that for Durban to win the Olympic bid, it, and its neighbouring cities, must have experience in staging a range of international sporting events.   Soccer, cricket and rugby, perhaps some swimming and cycling, are a start, but not enough to convince the IOC that the region has the capacity to stage the Olympic Games.    

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