Shanghai kicks off 2024 Motocross world championship

Renowned as one of the World's Four Major Motorcycle Races alongside F1, MotoGP, and WRC, the 2024 Motocross World Championship (MXGP) of the Shanghai leg in China will kick off at the Shanghai International Off-road Circuit from Sept 14 to 16.

This marks the return of the international A-class tournament to China, four years after its debut in Shanghai in 2019. Ticket sales began at 18:18 on Thursday.

Starting from the Argentina race in March and concluding at the Spain leg in Sept, the Shanghai event serves as the penultimate stop, where riders from multiple countries will make their final push towards the goal of winning the championship.

The event is set to attract over 30 teams from more than 20 countries and regions, with approximately 70 riders, including world champions, competing across three categories: MXGP (450CC), MX2 (250CC), and the youth category (85CC).

Chinese riders, as the hosts, will also participate in the highest level of off-road motorcycle competition, vying for wild card qualification.

The organizing committee highlights that Shanghai has the only off-road track in China that meets international standards, spanning approximately two kilometers with 16 ramps and reaching heights of up to 4.5 meters.

In addition to creating a high-quality event environment, the event coincides with the Mid-Autumn Festival and organizers will introduce a series of activities that blend festivities with the races.

"We have planned a series of special activities, such as freestyle motocross performances, electronic music shows, and exhibitions showcasing the city's intangible cultural heritage. Local cuisine, specialty snacks, rich heritage, and exciting performances will all be on display," said Wang Chun, executive director of the organizing committee and deputy head of Fengxian district.