Manchester round of BMX Supercross World Cup named best event of the year

Home favourite Liam Phillips claimed victory in the men's event in Manchester ©British Cycling

Manchester's round of the 2015 International Cycling Union (UCI) BMX Supercross World Cup has been crowned the best event of the year having beaten off competition from four rivals.

Held in April at the National Cycling Centre in front of record crowds, home favourite Liam Phillips claimed time trials and supercross victories for the third consecutive year, becoming the first man to achieve the feat on the same track.

Australia’s Caroline Buchanan triumphed in the women’s competition which took place at the world-renowned BMX venue for the third time.

Following an evaluation by riders, the UCI BMX Commission, sponsors, the UCI, GSX Events and the media, the first leg of this year’s World Cup was deemed to be the best event after assessing the event’s promotion, organisation, the race, track, venue and atmosphere in comparison to its rivals.

Papendal in The Netherlands, the Argentinian city of Santiago del Estero, Angelholm in Sweden and Rock Hill, South Carolina, also hosted World Cup events during the season.

“We are delighted that the 2015 UCI BMX Supercross World Cup Manchester has received this award,” said Jonny Clay, British Cycling’s cycle sport and membership director.

“It is testament to the hard work of our event partners UK Sport and Manchester City Council as well as the staff and volunteers whose dedication ensured both athletes and spectators enjoyed an exceptional experience in Manchester.

The National Cycling Centre is set to welcome the World Cup for a fourth successive year in 2016 ©Getty Images

“We are looking forward to bringing the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup back to Manchester in 2016 and delivering another world-class event in the city.”

The event was part of UK Sport’s National Lottery funded EveryRoadtoRio series, which is designed to support British athletes’ preparation and qualification for Rio 2016, with over 30 world class sports events held throughout the country in the build up to next year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Manchester will again play host to the World Cup in 2016 with the event from April 9 to 10 set to be one of the last opportunities for riders to earn qualifying points before the Olympics.