The rider, from Orange, was taking part in an evening coaching session last week when the incident occurred.

Described as a freak accident by Bathurst BMX Club president Michael Breen, the incident has shocked the wider BMX community.

It comes as the new $1.5 million facility in the Vale Road Bike Park is gearing up to host the national BMX championships next week.

One of the features of the track is its challenging nature, with various levels built into the layout to test even the elite riders who will be fighting for Olympic places on the Australian team at the Rio Games in August.

More than 3000 entries have been received for the national titles, which are expected to draw more than 10,000 people to the region for the duration of the event.

Mr Breen said yesterday he does not know the full details of how the accident occurred, but confirmed it happened during a coaching session.

“We know it was a very serious accident,” he said. “The man involved suffered spinal injuries and is in Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital. At this stage it is looking like he may never walk again.”

Mr Breen said the accident highlighted the fact that BMX could be a challenging sport.

“There have been broken collarbones and the like in the past, but we’ve never heard about anything like this before,” he said.

“The Bathurst track is quite technical and challenging and you need to have a certain level of skill to go on there.

“You just can’t roll out and think you’ll be right. You have to be trained and coached to handle it.

“You have to remember this track is aimed to challenge even the best riders. That’s why it’s of Olympic standard. It’s not a track to be treated lightly.”

Mr Breen said the wider BMX family was in shock after learning of the serious nature of the man’s injuries.

“We have been in contact with other BMX clubs and we are all banding together to hold a fundraiser during the nationals to raise money for the rider and his family,” he said.

“There will also be similar fundraisers held at club grassroots level.”

BMX Australia president Barry Knight said the organisation was working with the Bathurst club to establish what happened. 

“We’ve been in touch with the rider and his family and are staying updated on his progress,” he said. “We are currently working through the finer details of how BMX Australia can support moving forward.”

The national BMX championships will run from March 1-6.