Published Thursday 21 August 2025 at 15:21
The country’s top BMX riders are set to descend on Darwen this weekend with hosting Round 2 of the British Cycling BMX Freestyle National Series.
Riders from across the UK will battle it out for a place on the podium, with the series forming part of the qualification pathway towards the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The two-day event kicks off on Saturday, August 23, with an open practice session, followed by a full day of competition on Sunday, August 24 – both being free for spectators.
Anthony Ramsey, who runs Junction 4 as a not-for-profit community interest company, said:
We are incredibly proud to host the British Cycling BMX Freestyle National Series here at Junction 4.
To welcome some of the best riders in the country to Darwen shows just how far our facility has come and what it means to the local community.
BMX Freestyle is one of the fastest growing Olympic sports in the world and having an Olympic standard training park here in Lancashire puts us right at the heart of that growth.
It gives young people the chance to see their heroes up close, to be inspired and to know that they too can be part of this exciting journey.
Sunday’s action will start with the popular ‘Little Rippers’ Jam, showcasing talented riders as young as five. The day will build up to the Elite Pro category, where spectators can watch some of Britain’s best freestyle BMX riders perform at the highest level.
The event promises fun for all the family, with free entry for spectators and the chance for young bike enthusiasts to try out the world class Junction 4 facilities, meet their heroes, and be inspired by the next generation of British BMX stars.
Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Growth and Development, said:
We are hugely proud to be home to Junction4 Skatepark – renowned for being the UK’s leading urban sports facility for BMX, scooter, skateboard and mountain biking.
Anthony’s vision, passion and unwavering determination to turn what was one of the smallest skate parks in the country into one of the very best is inspiring and hosting events of this caliber is just incredible and testament to his hard work.
As Anthony says, this is a chance to watch some of the country’s very best BMX freestylers – a chance to inspire our own youngsters and the next generation of Olympians.
Junction4 Skatepark benefitted from funding as part of the £100m Darwen Town Deal, which helped fund an impressive new extension.
The facility had been close to closure during the pandemic when the Council stepped in to help, paving the way for the Town Deal funding.
The outdoor street plaza, pump track and dirt jumps will be open across the weekend.
Junction 4’s kitchen will also be open throughout the event, serving freshly made tacos, burgers, salads and sandwiches, alongside great coffee and a fully stocked bar.
To find out more about Junction4, please visit: www.junction4skatepark.co.uk