The two-time world champion led a training session for youngsters at the Birmingham BMX club at Perry Park.

The BMX track is being renovated as a part of Birmingham City Council's bid to host the UEC European Championships there in July 2011 and Reade's visit gave the city a huge boost.

Birmingham also hope to host the 2012 UCI BMX World Championships at the National Indoor Arena, where its main opposition is expected to come from Copenhagen.

A delegation from the world governing body UCI recently carried out an inspection visit in Birmingham and a decision is expected later this month.

Reade will be unable to defend his title at this year's World Championships in Australia and is out of action for four months after falling on her right shoulder when training.

She said: “It was great to check out how the reconstruction at Perry Park is coming along.“

"I'm really looking forward to training here once the track is complete.

"It was brilliant to see the kids enjoying a good training session.

"The prospect of riding the BMX World Championships here in Birmingham in 2012 is so exciting”

Ian Drake, the chief executive of British Cycling, said: “We are eagerly awaiting the news from UCI and UEC regarding both bids and we have created extensive plans with Birmingham to bring these prestigious international BMX competitions to the city and the UK."

Councillor Martin Mullaney, Birmingham's Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture said: “We are delighted to be making a joint bid with British Cycling for the UCI BMX World Championships in 2012.

"The event would support the city's cycling strategy and further highlight Birmingham's reputation as a world class sporting city.”