BMX Supercross Thinks Beyond the Box
February 23, 2012 by BMXNEWS.COM Editors · Comments Off
Some shifting sands in the SX arena the past week or two. First, Reuters and some Euro media carried a mainstream story that the London Olympic BMX Track would be changed (sparking a three-page Vintage thread on the topic). The article said, in part:
“We did have a number of athletes fall during the test event. So what we’ve done is we have reconfigured that track, we’ve reconfigured the first jump and made it slightly shorter and we’ve taken away one of the jumps on the first bend and the box jump,” she said.
On the same day as the Reuters story, Dutch National Coach Bas de Bever tweeted that the Papendal SX track was getting a similar haircut, with the buffed-up box jump bounced from the design, in favor of a roller-to-step-up combo (above).
The box jumps touched off some controversy at both the Papendal SX last year, and the London Test Event–through moreso at Papendal, as riders who scrubbed off all their speed in the prior section had to “huck” their bike on top of the box, then get a running start to jump up on it. This was widely considered very “un-BMX,” and fueled the forums with empassioned posts for more than a week. BMX News also ran a special feature entitles “Elites Speak Out on SX Tracks” (Click here to read in new window)
In London, the Box Jump carried the Red Bull logo for the test event last fall, though it is unclear if that would have remained in place for the games themselves. No matter now, I guess, since it’s toast.
Jeroen Koster tweeted this photo of the track on Feb 17, looking toward the start ramp from what used to be the first turn (with what appears to be rubble from the chopped up asphalt stacked at left).
Only three BMX Supercross World Cup Races prior to the World Championships–one of which will be in Papendal (On May 12-13). Supercross races have moved locations before…so our bet is down on the “could be” square that the London Track might see another race before the big one in August. Do they have “local races” for this kind of thing? Maybe they’ll just round up some riders and have a jam session to prove-out the tweaks…but would be cool to see the track hit at race speeds before it’s for real.
Speaking of changes of venue, the Norway round in April has been moved to an indoor arena, about four miles from the original site, GSX/UCI announced last week. The new location is the The Randaberg Arena in…well… Randaberg. This move was made in order to guard against the possibility of inclement weather (the race is April 13-14, so outdoors…in Norway…in April…yeah, could be worse than Oldsmar, FL in February).
Naturally, these changes and tweaks to the system are a GOOD thing, leading up to the once-every-four-years Olympic games. With all the time and treasure spent on preparing athletes, and qualifying for the games, there is no doubt that London 2012, and GSX, on the Supercross side, are doing whatever is necessary to ensure their venues and lead-in events are at as high a level as would be expected.
BMX News will keep you posted on the developments relating to the 2012 BMX Supercross Season, and London Olympics, as new data comes available.
—Mike Carruth
USAC BMX Elite Portraits
January 28, 2012 by BMXNEWS.COM Editors · Comments Off
During our trip to the US Olympic Training Center/Chula Vista earlier this month, we were privileged to shoot individual headshots of all the riders taking part in the Elite Camp. We thought you’d enjoy seeing some of your favorite riders suited up in their Team USA Jerseys.
We are saving the goof-around outtakes for a more opportune time 
Check Out The Photo Gallery Now
USAC Elite Camp Brings The Best to Chula V
January 24, 2012 by BMXNEWS.COM Editors · Comments Off
A major contingent of Elite “Team USA” BMX Supercross talent flew in to the US Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA last week for the first Elite Development camp of 2012. BMXNEWS.COM was granted exclusive access to shoot some action during one of the training sessions.
We clipped the set down to the 49 best shots of the session, and are bringing them to you as soon as we got them dialed in. It was an amazing day for shooting in San Diego, and the riders were definitely in the zone.
The camp included 19 athletes in all, but Joey Bradford and David Herman had other commitments for the photo session timeframe. And Nic Long, Felicia Stancil and Tyler Brown posted early injuries and could not ride. We wish them a speedy recovery!
Other stars out of orbit this camp; Connor Fields and Alise Post were out of the country and Mike Day and Corben Sharrah were out of town on GT biz. We vowed to catch them on-course next time.
Click Here to View the Gallery
A big thanks to: Mike King, Andrea Smith and James Herrera at USA Cycling for letting us peek into their day. Team USA is readying some amazing talent for London, and this glimpse into their routine gives us a special kind of pride as Americans. Equal thanks goes to Amanda Carr, Amanda Geving, Arielle Martin, Barry Nobles, Brooke Crain, Dani George, Donny Robinson, Jared Garcia, Jason Rogers, Josh Meyers, Kory Cook, Tyler Faoro and Weston Pope for their style and willingness to “do that again!”
—Mike Carruth
Above: Barry Nobles gets it done on the second straight aboard his new DK scoot.
Podcast: Johan Lindstrom and Tom Ritz on GSX
December 5, 2011 by BMXNEWS.COM Editors · Comments Off
BMX News has been long looking forward to a comprehensive sit-down interview with Johan and Ritz since before the Chula Vista Supercross in September. Johan, is CEO of GSX Events–the independent company that runs the BMX Supercross World Cup Series for UCI. And Tom is CEO of a GSX division called Elite Trax, which is responsible for building all SX tracks on the World Cup circuit, as well as the Olympic track in London.
Any time the riders, spectators, industry or other observers express an opinion or comment about BMX Supercross, threre is nearly a 100% chance it involves a decision one or both of these gents made at some point.
GSX is just about a year old now, and a lot has happened over the past 12 months. We talk about the dark days, when their original partner in the GSX venture–the National Bicycle League, imploded about a month in to the 2011 World Cup series. GSX was relying on the NBL for financial and back office support–and it was suddenly gone. Johan and Tom candidly address how that went down, and also talk about Stratesphere, Inc. a private equity firm, who is their new partner, after buying the NBL’s shares in GSX out of receivership in October of this year.
The guys also address popular hotbutton topics like track design, whether BMX Supercross as a whole helps, hurts or has no effect on “classic” BMX Racing, and whether we will see prize payouts rise dramatically in the 2013 season (after the 2012 games, next August).
It is a fairly long show, but we felt all of the content addressed was of interest to our audience, whether you’re an insider or a fan. Of the topics left on the cutting room floor, we salvaged three clips, which we present to you as “deleted scenes.”
Enjoy the Podcast…and, as always, we’ll be discussing the show over on VintageBMX.com, so come join the fun (and listen to the deleted scenes).
Listen Now
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Gerrit Does Files Review of Chula Vista SX
October 31, 2011 by BMXNEWS.COM Editors · Comments Off
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of Gerrit Does, and do not necessarily reflect those of BMXNEWS.COM, or its staff.
In June of this year, BMXNEWS brought you a critique of the Papendal SX, written by legendary Dutch BMX figure, Gerrit Does. Gerrit is an ABA BMX Hall of Famer, and the person credited with bringing BMX into the UCI, and with inventing World Cup BMX, among other pioneering work in our sports formative years.
His credentials to comment on the longview are unimpeachable. The following is a review that has been circulating, over the past week. BMX News is not taking an editorial position one way or the other on Gerrit’s assertions, but we felt it was newsworthy, and a piece which fans of the sport would want to read, and form opinions of their own.
Gerrit writes critiques of this sort after most races he attends. He wrote a similar critique on the Worlds in Copenhagen.
This piece is presented to you unedited (translation: it is REALLY long). BMX News did clarify some of the terminology and European colloquialisms to make the content more digestible by our mostly-American audience.
—Mike Carruth
UNIVERSITY of BMX
Gerrit Does
Waalre/Holland
Evaluation UCI BMX CX Chula Vista /Cal. USA, September 30th and October 1st. 2011.
Dear friends in BMX,
This is my third and last evalution for the time being on a series of three BMX SX events in 2011. Again, this evaluation is ment to be constructive criticism not only by me, but also by several team-managers, trainers, riders, inside spectactors and pioneer top BMXers watching the events and the developments in our sport at this level, the past years.
The trip over to San Diego was a disaster, problems with my Esta form, bad weather in Philadelphia. Because of that I did miss 2 connecting flights, so I arrived 24 hours later then planned at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista.
1. THE BMX FACILITIES.
On arrival at about 10AM on Friday September 30th, an ABA National was going on at the `standard` BMX track close to the Olympic Training Center main building.
First impression I had on the Olympic Training Center was just great. Professional set up entrance, lots of parking space, plenty officials regulating traffic etc. Parking was $10.00 per day! Entry fee was $ 25.00 for the ABA event. To be present at the UCI BMX SX event on Saturday another $25 per person had to be paid.
The ABA National was run at the `standard` BMX track from early in the morning on Friday till about 1:00PM. After that, the time trials took place at the BMX Supercross track about 3/400 meters away from this `standard` BMX track. The ABA National had a little over 200 motos, so about 1000 to 1200 entries. Around the track, (were) about 3,000-4,000 spectators/fans.
A so-called Factory lane area was set/up a little bit aside, and in-between the two tracks. Most well-known BMX brands had their trucks, bikes and so on, displayed there. It looked fantastic, only not too many people visited the area, as it was too far away from both BMX tracks.
Overall impression. A fantastic facility, to be compaired with the Papendal facility, both with a high-standard of general organisation and both on National Olympic Training Center grounds.
THE BMX SX TRACK
According to the riders taking part in these SX series, the Chula Vista SX track is the best of the series. Well laid-out, and the dirt of the track itself was hardend with a sealer called “soil-tac.” This material is used to harden the surface of sand landing strips for planes in deserts and such. So, it makes the track realy hard.
One problem was the wind blowing in from the Ocean. Till about 2:00-3:00PM, there is always a strong wind blowing, and with the high starting hill that can be tricky. I have been told that for that reason (among others), the BMX SX track will be moved to the backside of a hill, close to the location of the present track. Good thing!
2. PRACTICE and TIME TRIALS.
Safety is, and will remain, a hot item at BMX SX events. During practice, several riders were injured and were not able to race on Friday and Saturday. Because of the speed, the jumps and the track being that hard, when falling down, injuries will mostly be not minor but serious.
Time trials…well I think all has been said about time trials already. One more time then. Seeing riders going around the track one by one, about 180 of them, is not very interesting to watch.
Time trials are NOT a spectator-drawing part of BMX racing. During the time trials, no more then around 200-300 spectators were watching and around 50% of them left after about an hour. In the VIP area there were almost only specialists in BMX, former professional BMX racers, organisers and such. Most of them had the same opinion, time trials are boaring and don’t have anything to do with Bicycle Motocross racing.
Again here, time trials is NOT BMX racing. Riders coming over from Japan or from Europe, not making the right laptime to finish within the 64 number, after one lap, this rider can go home.
It is BMX racing when a max. of eight riders compete against eachother in three motos, best four qualify for the next round. The advantage of executing BMX as it is meant to be is, less time needed than running 180 riders one at a time. Plus, this is what BMX is all about, RACING AGAINST EACHOTHER and NOT one at the time. Much more interesting for spectators to have real racing going on.
An Olympic medal to be won at the BMX time trial event…what will be the value of that???
My advice to the UCI: After the (2012) Olympics, cancel the time trial events. Better have an Olympic medal ready for a National Team event, where a Country can win an Olympic medal!
The actual UCI BMX SX event on Saturday October 1st, 2011.
The fact that the ABA had scheduled a National event in combination with the BMX SX event, was a very good move. The intent was probably to have many National riders and their supporters at the BMX SX on Friday afternoon and Saturday afternoon.
Well, that was kind of a disappointment. On Friday, there were, maybe 300 spectators around the SX track in the afternoon, and on Saturday maybe around 1000 spectators– no more! I counted the grandstands, and how many people could sit on them. On one side, a maximum of around 1000 people could sit there and on the other side maybe 200. Well, I can tell you that both grandstand were not filled completely, and my quess is that, including lots of people present in the VIP area, there might have been around 1000 spectators, which in my opinion is not very good for such an important event. Making the sport more spectacular by building large starting hills and extreme jumps doesn’t realy help getting spectators over there. (GSX Inc.!)
I stayed around the entrance of the BMX SX track for some time and heard many parents complain about having to pay $25 per person, including children. It was too much money for many of them. So there was a potential of around 4000 people present on the grounds, only a few actualy came over to watch. The VIP area was very well filled with former top pro BMXers and others–around 100 people.
Publicity wasn’t very well done either, based on what I could see in the area. I went around Chula Vista by car, went to a shopping center close by and so on. Nowhere were there any signs or posters to be found on the UCI BMX SX event. Even on the roads around the event, no signs or whatever telling you about the event. Only when arriving close to the main gate of the Olympic Training Center, were there signs telling you that an event was going on at the Center, thats all!
So how serious does GSX inc. take UCI BMX SX events?
3. Saturday Racing
Racing on Saturday was okay and sometimes even exciting, and that was the opinion of people (again mostly former professional BMX racers) around me in the VIP area.
Safety was an item again here. There were several bad crashes, and after being at three BMX SX events, some crashes are so bad, they can be considered CAREER ENDING.
Injuries so bad, that riders will not be able to come back and be competitive again. In first aid at Chula, I saw one rider with his foot next to his leg. Kyle Bennett hurt his shoulder again, might be one fall too much for him. Granted, at normal tracks people get hurt, but not as many get hurt, as bad, as in BMX SX.
The main reason is the way BMX SX tracks are built. High starting hill, means high speed (average 30+ MPH for Elite men). The tracks are as hard as a normal road. Nothing but jumps up til the finish line. Riders know and feel the danger, don’t want to hit eachother, so here comes the (follow-the-leader) TRAIN.
Nothing “old-fashioned” or “backward-thinking” (is allowed). This is a remark of the GSX inc. CEO by the way. Those persons with remark or critisicm on the SX tracks are old-fashion and backwards-thinking, according to him.
Having a last straight of 30-40 meters, with no jumps, where riders have to really race, and where the difference between power among riders can make a difference. A BMX SX track layout should be a combination of technicque and power. Right now its 90% technique.
By the way, it’s fantastic to see what riders can do technically, but that’s an insider opinion. Spectators want to see riders RACE and not ROLL, seeing almost only “follow the leader” action.
The ONLY rider at this moment, able to race and pass riders, as we used to see in BMX racing some time ago, is Joris Daudet of France. Even with clips, he can cut back and pass riders in corners. You almost don´t see that anymore because riders are afraid of falling or hitting eachother.
I believe it was in the semi final, Joris Daudet tried to cut back in the last corner but slipped his front wheel. Besides Joris himself, a couple of riders (Sam Willoughby and Khalen Young) did fall down. Both of them almost got in a fight with Joris and warned him: “don’t ever do that again!” What do you mean guys? It’s RACING, things can happen.
Anyway, all has been said about clip-pedals too. Again, clip-pedals are dangerous and they took away what BMX is all about: real racing. I’m so happy that, in Europe, young riders will not be allowed to race with clips anymore (I believe 13-and under is no clips).
AND if everybody is on normal (flat) pedals, in Junior and Elite classes, still the strongest in all fields, power / technique etc., will win anyway, so for the best of the sport: ban clips.
Concerning SAFETY at Moto/GP´s, F/1 event and so on, in the past 20 years, the focus been on safety. In BMX, by building extreme tracks, allowing clips, not working seriously enough on protective gear and things, safety has gone down.
MEDICAL ATTENDANCE.
What I have seen myself and heard from riders is that the medical attendance in itself is very professional and good. Especially the Doctor, who is always present at the BMX SX events. He is doing a great job and deserves respect. It says enough about Supercross events/racing, that a Doctor is part of the team of officials and is on the track itself at all times.
It would be very interesting to know how many riders were injured this year in BMX SX events, and what their injuries were. Are medical reports sent to the UCI…and what does UCI do with those reports?
It would sound normal to me, if most bad accidents happen after the first dubble jump for instance, that UCI would say: “let’s change that obstacle to make it safer,” or “let’s go down in speed by lowering the starting hill a couple of meters.”
It also might be possible to draw a conclusion from these medical reports that, for instance, the clip-pedals are the cause of certain injuries. This may be a motivation for the UCI to ban click pedals?
Talking about banning clip pedals, some people say to me: “clip pedals are a technical development in BMX.” I don’t agree, clips have nothng to do with the technical progress of equipment in our sport. As a matter of fact, it made the sport more dangerous, took away the meaning of real BMX racing, and now BMX looks like “follow the leader” most of the time.
UCI RULES AND REGULATIONS ON SX EVENTS.
What I have learned this year, being present at three BMX SX events, is that UCI should have strict rules on how to build a BMX track in general and more specific in building BMX SX tracks.
Currently, GSX Inc. can do as it pleases. If the CEO decides we will make the starting hill two meters higher, they just do it.
Also, what happend this year, building the Papendal track in Holland should not be possible during a running year. Changing the jumps, making the peaks of a double jump 50 cm or 100 cm wider apart. Putting in a so-called box-jump, which is crazy and has nothing to do with BMX racing.
Enough has been said about this, hopefully we will all learn form this? UCI can make rules for these things and GSX, or any other organisation as such, has to execute them.
I also think UCI should have rules on how to market and promote an SX event, how to dress a track, and how to build a track, in general. Check my remarks on the borders of the jumps at the Copenhagen World Cup event. Glad nothing happened there, but riders could have been hurt badly.
4. COMMUNICATION.
During the events I went to, I did find many people (spectators, riders and BMX specialists) complaining about a lot of things that had been said in my reports on those SX events. However, complaining and talking about stuff around the track will not help anybody. It should be possible to express ones ideas, at least to the UCI and GSX inc.
Riders have no possibility to lodge a complaint, or give comments on track layout, safety or anything else. In Copenhagen it was the GSX inc. CEO’s idea to even fine riders that did not agree with, or who had outspoken critisicm on what GSX was doing. Crazy situation.
It looks like people are “afraid” of speaking their mind, to those who need to know what the riders are thinking/feeling. It’s also crazy that the CEO of GSX inc. gives a reaction on Facebook, which seems to be the place to write down your critisicm nowadays, “you guys are old-fashion and backwards-thinking.”
This CEO probably does not understand people are worried about developments in BMX within SX.
He feels like it is a personal attack, and that is NOT what the critisicm is all about. And…a serious CEO with the right background and education should “listen” to what is said and learn from that, not wave it away like, “you guys don’t know what you are talking about.” WRONG.
My advice to the UCI: at the Junior (future) and Elite level, there should be some kind of “riders group” who is able to communicate, first of all, with UCI, and also with GSX inc., on items such as track design, safety, and racing rules. So many riders have such good ideas, but it seems they are never heard.
General remark: I have the experience that, when trying to communicate with, among others, GSX inc. “nobody is home”. OK, they are busy for sure, but NOT communicating, like not answering any mail one sends, is very unprofessional and in the end deadly for an organisation.
The present feeling is (and this is what others told me in Europe, and now also in the USA, ánd I can confirm that myself) that GSX, Inc. can do as it pleases in all fields, for the good but also for bad of the sport. They just don’t listen/communicate and act like a dictatorial organisation.
My advice to UCI: I believe UCI should have an observer at all Supercross World Cup and World Championship events, just to check if races are run according the UCI rules and regulations.
If things are not done correctly, he/she (UCI person) can decide otherwise. I think UCI should stay on top of things and must be the final decisionmaker.
5. CLOSING GENERAL REMARKS.
The BMX athletes today are great sportsmen and women. Their abilities have improved a lot the past five-eight years. It’s great to see how, even in Elite women class, the level has grown so much. Jumping most obstacles is common now at International competition…fantastic!
The problems BMX SX is running into, are not caused by the riders. It’s because of the riders that watching a SX event still is interesting.
The feeling is also that GSX Inc. thinks they are the most important party and not the riders. WRONG! GSX Inc. is here THANKS to the athletes in BMX. GSX Inc. should serve the riders, they should create the best conditions for the riders to race in. They are responsible for serving BMX SX and such.
Being present at these three SX events in 2011, I also noticed that the CEO at GSX inc. keeps everything under tight control. Among others: Speakers (announcers) have strict orders what they can and cannot say on the PA system, and are corrected if they step out of line.
Speakers only talk about the race, something everybody present can see. No info on background of athletes and/or the history of the sport, mostly nothing more then just a race report. There is so much to tell about BMX in general to make it interesting for the “outside BMX” spectators present at these events. I found SX events on that point “ïnside, and almost-only racing” oriented.
Advice: just look how in other international sports announcing is done at the event, itself, and on TV. Still a lot to be learned here.
At the Chula Vista event you have almost all of the “pioneer” Pro BMX racers in the USA present. Also present are former top riders from Europe. Several times, during the racing, there are breaks, and most of the time nothing happens. Why not interview several of those pioneer BMXers / ABA Hall Of Fame members during this time? Stephen Murray was there, why not try to have an interview with him and his sons?
During one of the longer breaks, a rock band was playing live. There were only about 1000 people to listen to the band. This does not add any real entertainment to the event (same as at the Worlds in Copenhagen: almost nobody was realy interested in the band and singer).
If you’re going to have live music during the event, make sure it’s a top act, which brings lots of fans to the track, who want to listen to the act ánd watch BMX before, during and after. We did this with AVRO TV in the ’80s, with bands that were number one on the hit-charts. Back then, the facility was packed (and there is proof of this: tapes are available of those events).
The UNIVERSITY of BMX, EUROPEAN BMX HALL of FAME AWARD PRESENTATION.
Apart from all of the above, the University of BMX wanted to present two American BMX heroes their Hall of Fame award. Greg Hill and Eric Rupe have been inducted into the European BMX Hall of Fame.
Greg Hill, for being the first-ever official World Champion in the highest performance class at the time, within the first ever official Worldwide BMX organisation (the IBMXF, now UCI BMX).
For Eric Rupe, a lifetime achievement award, for being the longest rider still racing, without any interruption, at the highest level, in each of the performance classes during that time. A total of 37 years.
I wanted to present these awards at the Saturday UCI BMX SX event, during one of the breaks that day. Weeks before, I did send several emails to GSX inc. to ask for their permission. NO REPLY!
During my time at Chula Vista, through the ABA (being the host of this event), I tried to get permission from GSX Inc. to present these awards. Finally, an answer came back: NOT possible, because this is a “live” TV broadcast! BS answer, no way there was live TV during the whole day, including breaks (four hours total, approx). No respect for pioneer BMX heroes!
Shortly after that, I ran into Mr. GSX, himself, Johan Lindström, and I asked him again: why is it not possible to present these two awards to Greg Hill and Eric Rupe during one of the many breaks on Saturday? A new reason came up now, nothing about live TV, however, but: “sorry we can’t do that. No European awards can be presented here in the US!” Again, BS…and I told him so. I said, “Johan YOU are the organiser, YOU can decide YES, or NO, so what’s the problem here?”
And then happened what happens a lot of time, I understand: he just walked away…no discussion possible. That is the quality of communication within GSX.
You can imagine how I felt. I wanted to show respect for our pioneer BMX heroes; Greg and Eric by presenting the European BMX Hall of Fame awards in front of the many ABA HoF members, and former USA Pros present in the VIP area at the time. GSX did NOT allow this.
Afte this incident, there were several breaks during the event where nothing happened on, or around the track, so….for sure it would have been possible to present these awards. We only needed five minutes.
The next day (Sunday), these Hall of Fame awards were presented to Greg and Eric during day two of the ABA National, taking place at the Olympic Training Center. Thanks to the ABA for helping out here!
A short history and something about respect!
In 1979, I met George E. Esser (Founder of the NBL) for the first time during the JAG BMX Worlds in Indianapolis. In 1980, George talked to me about starting an international BMX organisation run by National organisations worldwide. Since I speak four languages and had a lot of experience in that field– and with Europe being a developing continent in BMX with many countries involved, he wanted me to be his secretary. So, together we made plans for such an organisation in 1980 and finaly in 1981 the I.BMX.F. was formed. For five years, I “pulled the wagon”, did all the work and even connected I.BMX.F with FIAC already at the time (during a UCI – FIAC/FICP congress in Leicester,England). Many years later I.BMX.F. merged with UCI and within that merge my friend Louis Vrijdag played an important role.
In 1994 I was appointed project-manager of the World Cup series for UCI. You can read all about those developments on my websiteL www.universityofbmx.com
The World Cup/Supercross activities got a boost again after it was announced BMX would become an Olympic sport in 2008.
Conclusion of all of the above is, that Mr. Lindström as well as GSX are here and now acting as they do, BECAUSE of what happened in the past. I think it is showing NO RESPECT at all for pioneer riders (in this case Greg Hill and Eric Rupe) and organisers (in this case myself and ABA) NOT to allow awards to being presented during the Saturday UCI BMX SX event. No respect for the history of BMX in general, only thinking of themselves.
In my opinion the CEO of any important BMX organisation working for the UCI should meet the following criteria:
Must have a BMX background.
Must have an affinity for BMX
Must be a proven organiser – promotor.
Must be a good cummunicator, meaning be able to listen to, and NOT walk away.
Must be able to organise an open communication with riders, trainer-coaches and others concerned.
Must be open to constructive criticism
Must have a wide vision on things, no tunnel vision
Must be flexible and innovative
Must have charisma
Must have good leadership
Must be Democratic and not dictatorial (like fining riders if they have criticism!)…just to mention a few criteria.
Well, this is it. As I told you before, this will be my last evaluation for the time-being. Of course, I will follow developments in my sport, Bicycle Motocross, constantly and absolutely give my opinion on futwww.ure developments wh ich you can read at universityofbmx.com in the year concerned in the “History of BMX” section.
Wishing you all good luck and wisdom making decisions, in making our sport a professional sport in all fields.
Kindest regards,
Gerrit Does
University of BMX
Holland-Europe
Liam Phillips Coming Back to BMX
October 24, 2011 by BMXNEWS.COM Editors · Comments Off
After saying “sayonara” to the Supercross circuit earlier this year, UK roller, Liam Phillips is tossing his track career, in favor of a return to the big hill.
Liam told UK’s Sky Sports: “My time training on the track was fantastic and it was such an awesome opportunity to train with the sprint squad. Ultimately though, I missed my BMX bike and as such have made the decision to return to BMX racing.”
His return could not come at a better time for British Cycling, as the Host country of next year’s Summer Games struggles to field a Mens team whose members can make it happen on the track. Great Britain did not send any riders to the Chula Vista World Cup last month, and none of the eight men who entered the London SX made it out of the initial qualifying rounds.
On the women’s side, it is a bit more rosy, with Shanaze Reade as the anchor. But beyond her very-legitimate chances at an Olympic main event, if not a medal, BC is at a bit of a loss for more bench strength.
Welcome back, Liam! Now suit up and get in there.
USAC Nationals Returning to Chula in 2012
October 21, 2011 by BMXNEWS.COM Editors · Comments Off
In a press release issued by USA Cycling today, it was announced that the USAC BMX National Championships will return to Chula Vista in 2012. The event was originally slated for Speedworld in the Phoenix area on March 3 (Reference: UCI 2012 Calendar), but it will now be on April 1 in Chula Vista (no foolin).
Here is an excerpt from the release:
For the second year in a row, the USA Cycling BMX National Championships will be held at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif. The currently under construction London Olympic-replica Supercross track will host the elite and junior elite races while amateur racing will take place on an adjacent, traditional BMX track. This event is scheduled for April 1, 2012 and is expected to draw approximately 250 competitors.
The UCI calendar page also has the first UCI BMX Supercross World Cup race of calendar 2012 scheduled for March 30 and 31. So, if correct, it’s looking like a megawatt weekend in Chula with the SX on Friday-Saturday, and the National Championships on Sunday.
It is probably a safe bet that the stated ABA National/UCI Continental Series dates on the UCI calendar are fluid…as the posted calendar has the ABA rig in Desoto that weekend for the ABA Supernationals.
As noted in the release, The race is scheduled to be run on the “Chula 2.0″ track, a replica of the London 2012 Olympic venue, as opposed to the “Beijing” replica track (above), which hosted the 2011 National Championships.
Check back with BMXNEWS.COM for more on the 2012 schedules.
NBL’s GSX Stock to Be Sold to Equity Firm
October 14, 2011 by BMXNEWS.COM Editors · Comments Off
As part of the ongoing saga in the unwinding of the NBL’s remaining assets, one of the big unanswered questions was “what’s going to happen to the 51% of GSX shares that the NBL owns/owned?”
GSX, as you probably know, is the for-profit corporation that Gary Aragon started, along with Johan Lindstrom and Tom Ritz (formerly of the UCI). The intended mission of GSX was/is to be the global promoter of the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup series, and other high-profile BMX Supercross events.
It was a bit of a rocky start, with the NBL “Nations Tour,” which GSX was contracted to run and promote, being scheduled, then canceled, bit-by-bit, by the NBL (the first event, in Primm, Nevada, being canceled less than two weeks prior to race day was an early indication of what was to come).
Meanwhile, the UCI World Cup series started off as scheduled, and the taint of the NBL’s myriad problems did not, from all appearances, seem to cross over into the important work Johan and team were doing, vis a vis Olympic qualifying and staging BMX events all over the world.
On January 21, BMX News carried an article that announced Sarasota, FL would host a World Cup event in September, just prior to the season finale in Chula Vista. Then, on July 13, News posted a story telling of the cancellation of the Sarasota event, leaving 2011 as a four-event series, including the Olympic Test Event in London in early August.
All the while, the NBL–who held the majority share of GSX stock–was sputtering, with management saying “nobody panic,” but then effectively saying “ok, run for the exits,” in Mid-May. The speculation was that the ABA might come in and take GSX under its roof, as it had with the NBL, forming USA BMX.
That ultimately did not happen for reasons neither side will discuss publicly.
Then, on August 10, the NBL Board resolved to dissolve itself, and hand the wind up of the corporation over to a court-appointed receiver. One effect this action had was to take the NBL’s affairs out of the private, “just-between-us” world of the BMX industry, and place the details of the case in the public record.
On September 16, the receiver filed his first report on the NBL case. One of the major tasks was to liquidate the “asset” of the GSX stock that was still on the NBL’s balance sheet. Any funds realized from such a sale would go in to the trust account (which had $251,580.93 in cash on deposit, as of the filing). The receiver will ultimately use these funds to pay court-approved expenses of the receivership…(which, we’ll venture to say, will eat up a large part of the $250k)…and also to pay out monies for claims by NBL creditors (tracks, teams, and riders who are owed money by the NBL, among them).
As to the GSX Stock, the report stated:
“The receiver believes that little or nothing can be obtained by selling it to the general public, but has an interested party with whom the Receiver is negotiating although it is expected that the stock will be sold for a nominal amount. The Receiver believes it is in the best interest of the receivership to make that sale in order to divest the receivership of the stock which otherwise has no value to creditors.”
Sometimes, in cases like this, a sealed-bid process among a small group of bidders, or a public auction is undertaken to dispose of corporate assets, in order to fetch the highest price for creditors by opening the bidding to many interested parties.
That said, in smaller cases like this one, it is not at all uncommon for the trustee or receiver to find any buyer willing to pony up cash money for a difficult-to-dispose-of asset. And 102 shares in a company with no physical assets is about as difficult as it gets.
On September 23, BMX News sent an email to the attorneys for the Receiver, asking if there would be “any kind of auction, sealed bid process or other means employed to get the most favorable return on these shares for creditors, if other suitors were interested in bidding?”
Attorney Nicholas Reeves of Strip, Hoppers, Leithart, McGrath & Terlecky Co. responded to our request on October 3, saying only that “we will be filing another receiver’s report in a week or so which will answer most of your questions.”
That second report was filed on October 4, and did, in fact answer the biggest question of all: WHO would be the new lead shareholder of Global SX Events, Inc.
The Receiver submitted an application to the court to approve the sale of the 102 shares of stock to StrateSphere, LLC. of Gahanna, OH. In fact, looking at the address for StrateSphere (1000 Creekside Parkway, Gahanna, OH) reminds us of another tenant who once had that address: the NBL, itself. StrateSphere appears to own the office suites company (C|Suites) that was the NBL’s landlord.
The StrateSphere website explains the company as using a “Capital business model (that) has been deployed since 1994, maintaining offices in the United States, Saudi Arabia, and India.”
StrateSphere is a decidedly-outside-the-industry company, and appears to have some solid experience in operating businesses with global scope and reach. That could net out to be quite positive, especially if the partners can leverage their business contacts in places like India and Saudi Arabia to bring additional sponsor-interest and funding to the SX side of the sport.
The two minority owners in GSX, Johan and Tom, both signed off on the sale of the stock to StrateSphere. The amount netted for creditors will be $5000.
It is unclear whether StrateSphere Managing Partner and CEO, Tariq Farwana would be stepping into the role of GSX chairman, once occupied by NBL President, Gary Aragon.
BMX News reached out to Johan to get his comment on the sale, and the go-forward plan for GSX, now that it has a new, seemingly-stable majority owner, but the inquiry has not yet been returned.
We’re sure that, if nothing else, it must feel good to have the NBL in the rearview–though, not officially yet, as the sale does not become final until it is approved by Judge John P. Bessey, who is presiding over the case.
We will bring you more on this story, if/when details become available.
Podcast: Arielle Martin on Chula Vista Win
October 12, 2011 by BMXNEWS.COM Editors · Comments Off
A World Cup win has been a long time coming for Arielle Martin–and, indeed, the USA Women’s BMX effort, as a whole. In fact, one thing you’ll learn in listening to this interview is that the United States has never won a World Cup event on the women’s side. Until this month.
We spend some time chatting with Arielle Martin about her historic win, about her next 10 months leading up to the London Olympics (and qualifying for same), as well as life after August 2012.
Listen Now
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Click here if you missed yesterday’s interview with Chula Vista Mens winner, Connor Fields
This episode sponsored by BMXEDITS.COM
USA Takes Four Podium Spots in Chula Vista
October 5, 2011 by BMXNEWS.COM Editors · Comments Off
Story and Photos by Mike Carruth
Read that headline again…four of six podium spots to Team USA in Chula Vista. The other two were Mariana Pajon with the bronze in Elite Women, and Raymon van der Biezen of the Netherlands. Sorry to have delivered the punchline in the first 35 words.
Now, look at the date on which I am publishing this story–a full four days after the event–an eternity in this business of go-go-go instant-everything content.
It just took a day or two to sink in, is all. Now, Team USA is hardly an also-ran on the SX scene, but this level of success is something we have not yet enjoyed. And I am not too proud to admit I wanted to savor the flavor, before I got to writing about it.
I signed off my Friday Time Trial story by saying “More History to be Made Saturday Afternoon,” and that is pretty much what happened.
The Pro-Gate atop the Swatch start ramp at the US Olympic Training Center dropped a total of 46 times on Saturday, October 1. Each time would be either a triumph for one or a defeat for another, in 172 different flavors and a dozen or more languages. With stakes so high, it’s tough to do it justice with the written word. But, I’ll try.
A War Ready to Jump Off
To help in that, I’ll rewind the tape to Friday morning. It’s about 9AM, and I’m already at the OTC, down by the Director’s Office, which is kind of the hub of the whole BMX program there. I am a bit early to pick up my media credential for the race, and sitting on the ground, kind of taking it all in.
Every familiar face tied to the Team USA Olympic BMX effort is in view– from Jeff Glynn to Jerry Bradford, Brian Fell to Kenth Fallen, James Herrera and, of course, the Director himself, Mike King. There are also a half-dozen or so support staff that I do not recognize, but these are likely the unsung backstage heroes that help the aforementioned keep the program marching ever- forward.
Athletes have their tunes, and their seat posts cranked to maximum height as they loop around the soccer fields, down “the Olympic Path” on warmup routines. Some are doing plyo jumps on the soccer field. To the left is Brooke Crain…to the right, Arielle Martin…darting in and out of the athlete’s mechanic space we see Corben Sharrah, Tommy Zula, Josh Meyers, Amanda Carr, Felicia Stancil, David Herman, Nic Long, Barry Nobles and a host of other Americans getting ready to do what they train every day to do.
The mood is one that I have never experienced in BMX before. There’s a palpable energy in the air, but it is all VERY, VERY subdued–gunfighter serious, really.
I imagine it to be the kind of mood that might be present in a room where SEALs are readying their gear, painting eachother’s faces, just before launching on a midnight incursion behind enemy lines. There is a strong component of “let’s get it on!” and at the same time, one of “this is a very fragile situation.” Adrenaline has raised all senses to their peak, and laser-like focus is the only thing that keeps things in balance. Don’t look down.
As an onlooker, you picked up instantly, with no words being spoken, that this was not a time for idle chatter, or casual discourse. Levity was a million miles away from this place. “Good morning” greetings are exchanged politely, but with a quick grin and a nod, then on to wherever the job demands next.
THIS is the BMX Supercross that the fans don’t see, and it is the place where champions are built, bit by bit–with the precision and deliberation of a master building a house of cards or a ship inside a bottle. Fragile, yet in the most artful manner that dedication and passion for ones work can deliver.
All of the riders and USA Cycling crew deserve the credit and the glory for their efforts on behalf of the 312,358,340 of us, commonly known as The United States of America.
That’s how the Racing weekend started…and we covered how it closed out that day: Two USA jerseys on the Superfinal victory step: Brooke Crain and Connor Fields.
With the stage set for Saturday, it was time to hit up the ABA US Open Nationals “upstairs” at Future BMX. A healthy 199 motos on the menu for Day One, as an appetizer to the “Big Track” action that would start at 2:30PM.
14:30 – Race Time
The SX race would be run in daylight this year, saving a boatload of cash to bring in crane-mounted lights, and also removing some of the element of chance for the riders as the evening dew set in on the starting ramp–a big deal the past two years.
Four racks of Elite women and eight of Elite Men were the result of Friday Time Trials qualifying, where 32 and 64 riders, respectively, advanced to “the big show.”
Racing got underway on time, after a moving rendition of the Star Spangled Banner was sung by US Paralympian, Lex Gillette (whom we have written about and interviewed here on BMX News in the past). Lex delivered the opener from the top-step of the awards podium, wearing the silver medal he won at the 2008 Beijing Games.
For those joining the program, already in progress, the three qualifying rounds are not called “motos” in Supercross parlance, but Quarterfinals for the women, and Eighthfinals for the men, run three times, just like…well…motos.
Team USA jumped out to an early show of dominance, as Brooke Crain and Amanda Carr took 1-2 in the first rack of the day. Amanda would win round two, and Brooke round three. Junior Elite champ Melinda McLeod of Australia was a consistent 3-3-3 in the qualifying rounds, and the ever-so-cute, ever-so-fast, Teagan O’Keefe from “SuthAfriga” made the move to the semis with Brooke and Amanda.
The crowd was stoked to see the next gate, cheering on first-time-SXer, Felicia Stancil of Team USA as she took the fight to long-time globetrotters Sara Walker of new Zealand and Magalie Pottier of France. There is no doubt that Felicia is going to be a big name on the Supercross circuit in coming years, and she led all three laps at one point or another. It was awesome to see the new talent right up on the old pros. Sarah suffered a big thump to the California clay, over the first set, in the very last practice gate of the day. She was down for a while, but obviously not too shaken, because she came to the gate ready to rock, come race time. Magalie ended up with two aces in rounds one and two, to Sarah’s double-deuces. Sarah took round three, and Felicia got in for the two-spot, with Magalie in the three.
Speaking of New-ish talent, Dani George of Team Supercross was looking very strong in Chula. She was double-F-FFast down the hill–the whole first straight, really, and led the W1 of Mariana Pajon first round to the second turn, where experience stepped in, and she hugged a tight inside line to pass Dani and take the round one win. Mariana came back to claim round two, but Dani took round three, with some challenge by Amanda Geving. Pajon got gummed up over the first set when Lauren Reynolds crashed next to her, giving the World Champ (and eventual Elite Woman Rider of the year) a fifth that trip. Geving and Nederlander, Laura Smulders would join Dani and Mariana in the Semis.
In the fourth rack, Arielle Martin was nestled up next to Aussie pal, Caroline Buchanan, who took the first round win. After that, it was all Airborne in the final two laps, with Caroline in the deuce. The rest of the field jumbled up a bit from round to round, but France’s Manon Valentino and Jana Horakova of the Czech Republic had their tickets punched to the semis.
Men, Men, Men, Men…Men, Men, Men, Men
Among the men, it was cool to see youngins Justin Posey, Austin Hiatt, and Jordan Miranda in the gate, having made it from the 140-rider Time Trial field into the “special-sixty-four.” And while none cracked the top six in their respective groups, they were in with the heaviest of the heavies, and that puts some rock-solid seasoning in the books for future outings. I’m feelin’ pretty confident we’ll be seeing all three names in a coming-soon-Semi, and beyond.
All eight racks had the same rider acing all three laps. First was Time Trial Superfinal winner, Connor Fields rockin the fresh new Team USA/Chase BMX jersey. Any hotter, and the Con-Man would have needed a full-discharge blast from the nearest fire extinguisher as part of his cool down routine.
Next was Aussie Brian Kirkham, then The Machine, Maris Strombergs. Fellow Latvian Edzus Treimanis was tops in rack five x3, and Redline Great-Northerner, Tory Nyhaug and household-name RL teammate Sam Willoughby were next with across-the-board wins. The final two groups were dominated by Elite Mens World Champ, Joris Daudet of France, and San Diego’s own Nic Long for Team USA.
Below the top-tire-at-the-stripe level, the men had some solid standouts, who could definitely be in the mix, come main time. Americans David Herman, Tyler Brown and Barry Nobles were all looking very strong on the day, Barry fighting back from a first-round superman over the triple into the first turn to get his SE double threes in the next two rounds to move on.
Dutchies Jelle van Gorkom, Raymon van der Biezen and Twan van Gendt were always right there to put the orange crush on any mistake by the comp, however small.
Deep into the third round, all hearts and minds were on the first straight as Donny Robinson, who Hypered-out to a half-a-wheel lead on the pack over the first set, came tumbling down just after the landing. Donny has had a bad stretch of injuries the past year or so, and the crowd held its collective breath, waiting for dR to get up. He did, thankfully. And while he had low enough points to qualify for the quarters. he sat it out. The good news is that we saw him tooling around later in the day, so all hopes are that he’s his happy and healthy self come ABA Grands time.
The Elite Men Semis would be the ones to watch, and re-watch, and re-watch on bmx-videos.com–specifically, the second one. More on that in a few.
WOW! And that was just the qualifying rounds.
Into the quarters for the men, David Herman had the holeshot in the first rack and led the pack to the middle of the third straight. That was when Connor Fields kicked in and sopped-up any lead the Hermanator had on him. Meanwhile, about 10 bikes back from David, Twan van Gendt and Carlos Oquendo of Colombia were cinching up their qualifying spots to the Semis.
Second rack had some pulse-quickening action, as Mike Day found himself in sixth, exiting turn one. Obviously, the Chula Vista track is as familiar to him as an well-worn pair of Nikes, and he made up some serious ground on the second straight, passing Robert de Wilde and Tyler Brown as they came into the berm jump. Strombergs had a solid lead with Tremanis and Frenchman Sylvain Andre in the two-three. Afro Bob, the elder statesman of SX, came close on the last straight, but Mikey closed fast and got the final transfer spot.
Next rack, Willoughby had it well in hand, but the battle would be for the balance. In the first turn, it was three-abreast for the two-spot between Josh Meyers, Tory Nyhaug and Barry Nobles. Down the second straight, Tory opened up a bit of a lead on Barry and Josh, with Sam still way-out-front. Weston Pope was in fifth as they hit the berm jump. Barry had serious momentum, and rocketed past Tory and Josh in turn two and it was three-wide down the third straight with Meyers, Nyhaug and Jelle van Gorkom going for the remaining two spots to the semi.
In the final rack pack, Kurt Pickard had an early lead down the first straight, but Nic Long, on the inside and at the top of his game all day, closed the gap with every pedal and backside. By the triple entering the first turn, Nic was in the lead, and Pickard was fading fast with Joris Daudet and Raymon van der Biezen breathing down his neck. Daudet stayed low into turn one, and came out in second, with Raymon right there, and Khalen Young moving up to replace Pickard for the four spot. And that’s how it finished.
Some say Semm-eyes and some say semm-ees.
Four gate drops would decide the Chula Vista “savvy sixteen,” and it was the gals gettin’ about it first.
The whole pack came off the ramp clean, but by the midpoint on the first straight, only four would be on two wheels (well, any wheels, really). Sarah Walker was down first, and out clean, but in the middle lanes, Felicia Stancil did a stiff-legged rotation thingy, reminiscent of Maris at the ABA Grands last year (which took him out for six months with a broken wrist). Slightly ahead of her, Amanda Carr, Aneta Hladakova and Magalie Pottier all crashed to the ground, and it was tough to know how that chain of events got started. Felicia, for her part, was thankfully back on her feet, and snorting with anger/disappointment and probably a sliver of gratitude for coming out of it in one piece. Hladakova and Pottier picked themselves up and finished out the lap. But Amanda Carr was still down…and it took a few minutes for the ace medical team to make sure she could move off the track with the help of her coaches, rather than a backboard…but she did. The pain of no main probably was as sharp as that of any body part.
The second semi roared down the ramp, with Arielle Martin on the chosen-outside. Dani George was snapping out of the inside lane, and seemed to get a little out of shape over the first set, costing her some valuable sliver-seconds. Caroline Buchanan and Arielle would battle for the lead as the pack edged toward turn one, but AMV15 had it in the bag as they passed the triple. Amanda Geving was in third and Dani was on the bubble. Mariana Pajon was in fifth at this point, but diving for one of her trademark inside swoops…which paid off big time, as she exited the turn in third, but gave Geving back the tre and settled back into the bubble spot…which is how it closed out at the stripe.
On the guy side, the first group was a nail-biter for Connor Fields fans. David Herman had command well in hand as the pack raced to turn one. The freeze-frame at that stage had it as Herman, Strombergs, Treimanis and a neck and neck dual between Fields and Sylvain Andre. Mike Day was back in fifth. Day dove for the mega inside in turn one, and came out in a three-abreast battle for second with Maris and Treimanis, with Connor joining them for a four-wide frenzy for the two-spot. By the berm jump, David was still long-gone in the lead, and the Con-Man creeped into second…so the final two transfer spots were going in hot and heavy between Maris, Day and Treimanis. HOLY COW!, as Chicago Cubs announcer Harry Caray was famous for saying! Day went high in turn two and did not emerge, so it was Herman, Fields, Strombergs and Treimanis racing down the third straight. Connor overtook David about midway down and the finish was locked at that point…Fields, Herman, Strombergs and Treimanis as half of the Chula Vista Elite Men Main Event.
The second semi had nuclear power on the pedals, as Sam Willoughby, Joris Daudet, Nic Long, Khalen Young, Raymon van der Biezen, Barry Nobles and Josh Meyers and Jelle van Gorkom all were on high alert for one of four spots to the main. At this level, every semi is really a main, and it can be any man’s race, but for a trim here and an extra pedal there. The pack came down clean, and on the backside of the first set, it was Raymon van der Biezen with a spoke nipple lead on Nic Long on the inside and KY on the outside. By the time all riders had gotten onto the backside of the first-turn-triple, it was Long, van der Biezen, van Gorkom, Young, Nobles, with Meyers on the waaay outside, looking for some daylight to do a dive-in, possibly. Willoughby and Daudet were camping out on the back 40 of the pack in seventh and eighth at this point. Out of turn one, van Gorkom carved the inside in a major way, and came out even with Nic, ultimately overtaking him down the second straight. At the tail end of the second straight, it was Jelle-don’t-call-me-jelly, Nic, vd Biezen and KY. Sam got a massive backside off the double heading into the berm jump, and moved from sixth to fourth by the time the pack came out of turn two. Down the third straight they came, as van Gorkom/Long (take your pick), Young and Willoughby. Daudet had moved through the pack as well, passing Barry midway down…and was in striking position of a main event slot as the last turn came into view. Joris was even with Sam, and on the inside, as Jelle took the pack into the third turn. Nic, KY and Sam were in chase, and Joris saw some daylight on the inside, which he took every bit of, and then some. That was when he, Khalen and Sam all went down, and Barry and Raymon steered clear to make it in.
Definitely some stompin and snortin on the parts of Aussies Willoughby and Young vis a vis Daudet. “Heat of the moment” stuff, according to KY in a post on Vintage, following the race.
I don’t hold grudges, or think what he did was dirty.
Things get heated in the middle of the battle.
I apologized for what I said, we shook hands and that was that.
Go Time – The Main Events
After a few more songs from On-Site musical guest, Faduca, 16 riders were climbing the mountain for two main events.
Ladies first, as is the custom. Today, it would be a full house; Americans full of Aussies, and of course Kiwi Sarah Walker, Colombian Mariana Pajon and the lovely and talented Teagan O’Keeffe (whose boyfriend, World Champ Joris Daudet, would be watching from the fenceline today, as previously noted). From the inside, the placement went Buchanan, Walker, Crain, O’Keeffe, McLeod, Pajon, Geving and Martin. Arielle chose the outside, because in the middle and inside, there can be all kinds of traffic, bar-bangin, people casing and other drama. The gate dropped, and it was on like Donkey Kong. At the frontside peak of the first jump, it was a packed group with, perhaps, Walker showing potential for a lead–WAY too early to tell, because 40 feet later, on the backside, it was Arielle’s front triangle that was leading the way. Into the first turn, AMV15 was firmly in command of this mission, with Caroline and Sarah stalking. That was the point when Brooke carved up the inside and put the mega-swoop on the Southern Hemisphere duo.
That was also the point at which you could see how much Brooke’s training is paying off in a major way. A year ago, it is doubtful she could have out-horsepowered Sarah Walker out of that first turn. Today, that was exactly how it went. Arielle and Brooke, on rails, down the second straight, and past the BMXNEWS.COM camera position (POP!- great shot!, below) Pajon was a bike and a half behind the Americans. That could have just as easily been the finish line, because the race stayed that way to the stripe.
Team USA had its first UCI BMX Supercross World Cup win for the Women in a long time, in the person of Arielle Martin. Sweetening the experience further, we grabbed the silver too, with Brooke Crain. The World Champ, Mariana Pajon, joined Team USA on the podium for her native Colombia. Pandemonium at the finish line, as media jockey for position, back of the packers still crossing the line, and the world spinning for the winner.
With the interviews and craziness at the finish line cooked off, it was time for the Men’s main event. Today’s gate was missing some heavy hitters, with Willers out of the race in practice with a jacked-up shoulder, and Willoughby and Daudet still cooling off from their tussle in turn three of the Semi…but still, this rack was stacked to the rafters. From the inside, we had Connor Fields, Jelle van Gorkom, David Herman, Nic Long, Edzus Treimanis, Raymon van der Biezen, Maris Strombergs and Barry Nobles. Half the spots occupied by Americans–another rarity.
The Bottom-of-the-hill holeshot belonged to Maris Strombergs, but Nic Long was milliseconds from the lead, as the pack hit the first jump. It was more or less a tie for third at that point, between Nobles and Fields. Over the second set in the first straight, it was neck and neck between Nic and Maris, and Connor was gaining ground, about up to Nic’s bottom bracket, and on the inside. In case you missed it in the last sentence, “and on the inside” is pivotal positioning for Connor’s day.
In a freeze frame we shot just as the race was entering turn one, we see Nic leading it, with Connor setting up an inside move that would write the day’s story. Farther back, in fourth and fifth, Dutch riders van Gorkom and van der Biezen are preparing to enter the turn as well. Herman is in sixth about eight bikes back from Nic’s leading edge. As we could see from a mile away, Connor made his swoop into the lead at that very moment–and not a moment too soon. Just then, van Gorkom’s front wheel broke loose as he was carving hard to get under Nic and Maris, who went wider.
As Redman put it later, Jelle took Nic and Maris down like a 7/10 split in a bowling frame (unintentionally, though it was). Connor said he heard a lot of crunching and crashing behind him, but steamed on, for all it was worth. He was clear of the carnage, and had the still-upright vd Biezen and Herman, seemingly stunned, riding after him. It wasn’t much of a race after that, with Connor crossing the line five seconds before Raymon and 10 seconds ahead of David. Our camera position was perfectly-placed in the first turn, and we captured both the pack all on two wheels entering the apex of the turn, and Connor streaking ahead, just as Nic and Maris were about to hit Jelle’s bike (above). Maris came over the backside of the turn, and took a minute or two to shake off what just happened, but he seemed OK physically.
And that, my friends, is the story of how Team USA captured four podium spots on home turf, in the final SX event of calendar 2011.
According to the UCI schedule posted on their site, the first SX of calendar 2012 will be back in Chula Vista (possibly on a new track??) March 30 and 31. If that sticks, it’s an odd placement, because the same schedule also has a UCI Class 4 race happening in Desoto, TX during the ABA Supernationals the same day.
Heading out of the venue, it was right around the time that the first round would have been over the year prior. The San Diego sun was setting over the Pacific, and the place was mostly cleared out. Three kids, who couldn’t have been older than six, were racing around on scooters, each swooping the other and making an “aaaarrrrroooom!” kind of sound as they did it. As the bigger kid kicked his machine into motion, he shouted “I’m Connor Fields…. aaaarrrrroooom!” and swooped under his buddies–just as Connor, himself had done to HIS buddies, about an hour earlier. A new Elite hero was created today.
