BMX riders from all corners of the globe have descended on Adelaide for the 2009 World Championships. With around 2,000 competitors arriving from 40 nations, quarantine officers have been busy inspecting bikes to ensure they are free from contamination.

Notorious for harbouring soil and seeds, bicycle tyres could introduce noxious weeds and diseases. At the airport and import clearance depots AQIS officers were pleasantly surprised at the cleanliness of the bikes. AQIS officer Graham Cook said 'most are meticulously clean—some have had minor contamination removed, with only a handful requiring detailed cleaning'.

In the build-up to the event the Adelaide office worked with Cycling Australia to prepare a quarantine fact sheet alerting international competitors to Australia's quarantine requirements. AQIS Airport supervisor Chris Ryan said the fact sheet 'gave practical advice on cleaning footwear and bikes to ensure they are "clean as new", and on what items must be declared when arriving in Australia'.

Major international sporting and cultural events often attract a range of quarantine risk material including sporting footwear and equipment or musical instruments. With help from AQIS, event organisers can provide participants with valuable information that will help protect Australia's agricultural industries and unique environment—and make for a smoother passage through Australian airports.