Perdiswell Pump Track opened to the public today (Friday) as children and adults tried it out for the first time. A former mountain bike world champion, Tracy Moseley, was also keen to have a go.

The track was designed to be larger than the city’s first pump track, which opened at Battenhall Park last year.

Children from North Worcester Primary School, Tudor Grange Primary School, Tudor Grange Academy and Regency High School streamed across the start line and onto the track as soon as the ribbon was cut, eager to try it out.

SPEECH: Cllr Jabba Riaz and Cllr Hannah Cooper seconds before they opened the Perdiswell Pump Track (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

The outdoor track includes a progression loop for learners and a faster track for intermediate and experienced users.

The ribbon was cut by Cllr Jabba Riaz, deputy leader of Worcester City Council who delivered a speech to mark the opening.

Cllr Riaz said: “It’s fantastic to see so many riders of all ages and abilities here ready to enjoy the pump track. It’s a facility designed for everyone – whether you’re on a bike, scooter, skateboard, adaptive bike, wheelchair or roller blades.

CHEERS: Cllr Jabba Riaz applauds the first cyclists as they stream onto Perdiswell Pump Track (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

“A project like this doesn’t just happen. It takes the expertise, passion and commitment of many people, and I’d like to express my thanks to everyone involved.”

There was a loud cheer as the ribbon was cut and the first riders tried either the access loop for beginners or the challenge track for those with a little more experience.

The work was completed by Four One Four, the specialist contractors praised by Cllr Riaz for their skill and attention to detail, which he said had shaped ‘this fantastic track’.

FUN: Cyclists build up a head of speed on Perdiswell Pump Track (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Tracy Moseley, 46, from Malvern, who has secured multiple world championship titles across two major disciplines – Downhill (DH) and Enduro – said she would try the track when it was a bit less ‘hectic’ and hopes to come with her son, who has just turned eight.

She said: “It’s fantastic to see Worcester get something like this. There are pump tracks everywhere in Europe but there has definitely been a lack of them in this area.”

Cllr Hannah Cooper, vice chair of the place and economic development committee, described seeing the opening as ‘exciting’ and said it was ‘one of the priority projects for Worcester Play’.

“I’m going to have a go on the beginner track,” she said.