IPSWICH is to host the 2012 European Cyclo-Cross Championships, it was revealed today.It will be the first time that the championships have been held in this country, and the event will help to boost participation in cycling in Ipswich and Suffolk as well as bringing an economic boost to the region.

IPSWICH is to host the 2012 European Cyclo-Cross Championships, it was revealed today.

It will be the first time that the championships have been held in this country, and the event will help to boost participation in cycling in Ipswich and Suffolk as well as bringing an economic boost to the region.

Securing the event is the culmination of years of hard work for XRT event organisers Steve Grimwood, Carl Thompson and the Ipswich Bicycle Club.

XRT's Steve Grimwood said: “Ipswich has played host to many top class and ground breaking cyclo-cross events over recent years and we look forward to working with our partners to make the 2012 championships and the events leading up to it a huge success.”

He added: “We also hope that these events will inspire our local athletes and provide an opportunity for them to compete at the highest level.”

Swimming legend Karen Pickering, who is busy promoting Ipswich as an Olympic training venue ahead of 2012 in her role as the town's ambassador for sport, said: “This is a big boost for our profile and our campaign and I look forward to these championships coming to Ipswich. I shall be in Beijing next month and will be spreading the good news there, too.”

Councillor Judy Terry, leisure portfolio-holder at the Borough Council, said: “This is excellent news for Ipswich and the region. Ipswich is a sporting regional centre and we want to forge close links with cycling. I am sure the championships will be a great success and prove a boost not only for the sport but also for Ipswich. I congratulate everyone who has put this bid together.”

Ipswich created the Team Ipswich initiative four years ago with local businesses and clubs to promote sport at all levels.

British Cycling cycle sport and membership director Jonny Clay said: “The UK has a proven record in staging world level cycling events, so it is great to see the Cyclo-Cross European Championships coming here for the first time in 2012. It is another opportunity for British Cycling to meet its aims of encouraging more people to take part in cycling more often.”