On July 6 and 7, the Coteau-du-Lac BMX track at the Centre nature quatre-saisons will be the scene of action as close to 700 BMX athletes from across the country converge for the Canadian Championships. 

More specifically, the Canadian Championships will be held on Saturday, July 6, while BMX pros will also be on track for the Canada Cup on Sunday, July 7. 

In all, some forty athletes from Vaudreuil-Soulanges will be taking to the starting line at this important race, vying for top honours in front of their loved ones. “Riders taking part in the event will range in age from 5 to 50. There will be velotrotteur races for mini-pilots aged 3-5. It's not to be missed,” says Valérie Roy, who is in charge of organizing the Canadian Championships. 

How does holding an event like this benefit a region? “It's major because it will give the BMX Club and the Coteau-du-Lac track a high profile in the eyes of the other provinces. A national event like this will bring riders and their families to discover our region, our attractions, our restaurants and all the nearby merchants. Also, an event of this calibre allows our pilots to live this experience at home, close to family and friends,” she adds. 

But not just anyone can host a competition of this scale. To host one, a city must meet a number of criteria: it must have previously hosted a Coupe Québec competition, a Québec Championship and a Canada Cup event; it must meet the International Cycling Union's criteria for a national track; it must have the support of the Fédération des sports cyclistes du Québec (FQSC); it must have the support of the city; and it must have been selected by the FQSC and Coupe Canada.

“Few tracks are fortunate enough to host this type of event, and we're proud to be part of it,” she says. 

With three months to go, the organizing committee is still recruiting volunteers for the event.Parents and family members of pilots are invited to volunteer their time to help make the event a success. 

Finally, everyone is welcome on site during the competitions to discover this thrilling sport. A canteen, a foodtruck and a microbrewery will be on site to satisfy the taste buds of spectators who will already be feasting their eyes.