The regional Victorian city of Shepparton will become the focus of international BMX Racing when it hosts two rounds of the UCI BMX Racing World Cup in 2028.
The Victorian Government has supported this event through its Regional Events Fund and, together with AusCycling and Greater Shepparton City Council, made the announcement this morning at the Shepparton BMX Track, which will welcome the third and fourth rounds of the global competition on 19 and 20 February 2028.
The back-to-back rounds of the UCI BMX Racing World Cup – which is the world’s premier BMX Racing series – will be delivered in partnership with AusCycling, supporting athlete development and strengthening Australia’s position within international BMX Racing.
Shepparton last hosted a UCI World Cup in 2020. (Craig Dutton)
The events are expected to attract the world’s best riders as they prepare for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, making Shepparton a critical stop on the international calendar during a key qualification period.
“It’s a really big opportunity to showcase Australia. For Shepparton, having a World Cup event in an Olympic year is a really big deal,” Olympic champion Saya Sakakibara said at this morning's announcement.
The Shepparton BMX Track, which last hosted international racing in 2020, was upgraded in 2025 with an enhanced track and new multi-use events pavilion, funded by the Victorian Government’s Regional Sports Infrastructure Program.
The UCI BMX Racing World Cup is expected to attract thousands of athletes and supporters and generate significant economic impacts for the region.
Saya Sakakibara (left) medalled the last time Shepparton hosted international racing. (Craig Dutton)
Shepparton is currently hosting the 2026 GWM BMX Racing National Championships, which has attracted close to 2,000 of Australia’s best athletes including defending champions Hayden Fletcher, a Shepparton local; and Sakakibara, the Olympic gold medallist and three-time overall winner of the UCI BMX Racing World Cup.
“The Shepparton council and the BMX community really get behind any BMX event,” Fletcher said. “I can only imagine how much bigger and better it is going to get.”
This weekend’s National Championships doubles as an important qualification event for the 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships in Brisbane this July.
Today’s announcement follows last week’s revelation that the first two rounds of the 2028 UCI BMX Racing World Cup will be held in Brisbane on 12 and 13 February, creating an integrated block of top-level competition in Australia.
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Shepparton frequently hosts major events, including this week's GWM BMX Racing National Championships. (Jake Oksanen)
Marne Fechner, AusCycling's CEO, said today’s announcement strengthened Australia’s reputation as a leading nation for cycling and riding.
“We are delighted to welcome the UCI BMX Racing World Cup back to Australian soil, creating an opportunity to showcase Shepparton and Victoria as a world-class host of major events.
“Hosting the UCI BMX Racing World Cup will be extremely beneficial for Australian athletes ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. It’s also a win for Australian fans and supporters, who will have the chance to watch the world’s best BMX Racing athletes in action.”
A new pavilion is among recent upgrades to Shepparton BMX Track. (Jake Oksanen)
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the region was extremely proud to be hosting two rounds of the global competition, with the recent enhancements making the Shepparton BMX Track the ideal backdrop for elite level riders.
“Greater Shepparton is a community that backs sport, with international events like the UCI BMX Racing World Cup inspiring the next generation of riders − showing local kids that world-level sport can happen right here in regional Victoria,” he said.
“Our newly upgraded Shepparton BMX Track makes us a natural home for world-class BMX Racing, reinforcing our reputation as a premier regional events hub. Hosting international BMX Racing will bring athletes, families and visitors from around the globe, delivering real economic benefits for local businesses and an unforgettable buzz for our community.”
Schedule – 2028 UCI BMX Racing World Cup
- 1st and 2nd rounds: 12 and 13 February, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- 3rd and 4th rounds: 19 and 20 February, Shepparton, VIC, Australia
- 5th and 6th rounds: 4 and 5 March, China
- 7th and 8th rounds: 22 and 23 April, France