|
BMX racing has been an organised sport with a governing body in this country since the early 80's. There are currently around
50 affiliated BMX Clubs in the UK alone.
BMX racing will also feature for the first time in the 2008 Olympic Games.
The National governing body for BMX racing in the UK is British Cycling. They host the BCBMX National Series at various
tracks around the country and also the annual British BMX Championships. BMX racing in the UK is a family sport that is open
to all ages (The National BMX series has an amazing 28 age-group categories!).
BMX races are held on an off-road track, typically around 300-400 metres in length, with a maximum of 8 riders in a race.
The start gate is usually on a slope descending into a series of jumps and banked turns (Berms). Races (Motos) last for one
lap, first across the line wins.
Most areas of the country hold Regional races, where a rider can enter as a beginner in a Novice class and work his or
her way up to Expert when they feel they have gained enough experience. Clubs also run Local races with the same structure.
A very big plus for those new to the sport in the Novice classes, is getting the opportunity to win a trophy at every race!
Always take things slowly at first, walk the track without your bike to get a close look at the layout of the jumps and
berms. Watch how the experienced riders take the jumps, berms and lines around the track. Use club practice/training and track
sessions to gain knowledge of the track and give you more confidence.
The start is the most important part of a BMX race and you need to practice the gate sequence and timing. If you get a
bad start you will find it harder, and have to fight your way up through the pack.. not ideal. Most top rider's work on their
starts more than any other aspect of racing.
Remember that there is a gradual progression when starting BMX racing, and getting to No.1 is not going to happen overnight..
There is also a huge self development aspect to the sport off the race track with riders integrating with each other at
club practice days and race meetings. They begin to meet other Young People of all ages and backgrounds with each of them
having the same thing in common with each other....the love of riding their bikes.
Safety and Rules
BMX racing is an exciting and extreme sport, but it can be dangerous if you do not follow some basic safety rules.
* Replace any worn or broken equipment on your bike before riding.
* Always wear your safety equipment at all times while riding the race track.
* When racing, always have a full set of pads on your bike.
* Be aware of other riders around you on the race track.
* Always ride the correct way round the race track.
* Take your time and do not attempt difficult jumps until you feel ready.
* Leave your riding area clean and tidy.
Like all sports, practice and training to become a competent rider takes time. Your local BMX Club can give you all the
training, advice and encouragement you need to get you started.
NEXT: How does a BMX Race work and what do I have to do
The first thing you have to do when you turn up on race day at the track, is sign up to race at the administration area.
This could be a table or desk set up in a tent or Cabin. You fill out a card with all your details, like name, age and plate
number. If you don't have a plate, the club normally have loner ones or they will give you a temporary paper one with a number
on it. You then pay your race fee (normally £5.00 for a Novice).
Then you are ready to practice. You will normally get around 1 hour of practice on the startgate and track before the
race. A rider will then have to check the moto sheets, which are normally posted on a board near the start hill or near the
admin area, to see what race they are in and what gates they have for their 3 motos. A good idea is to write your race number
and gate positions on the back of your hand so you remember, if not, there will be a Race Official at the back of the start
hill or pens during racing to call up the riders into their races.
Each rider will have 3 qualifing motos, your points will then be added up for the 3 races and if you are in the first
4 you will go into the next round, ie: quarter or semi final depending on how many riders are in your age group.
If there are 8 or less riders in your class or age group, you will then go straight into a final after your 3 motos. After
the 3 motos have finished, new moto sheets will go up to tell you what race you are in.
So if you have made a Novice final, best of luck and hopefully you will do well and get in the top 3 and get a medal or
trophy.
BMX Race Terms
Wheelie: Lifting your front wheel off the ground whilst still pedaling.
Manual: Lifting your front wheel off the ground and freewheeling.
Swoop: To pass another rider through a berm.
Holeshot/Snap: Getting a fast start and being in the lead from the startgate.
Moto: A BMX race. One of three qualifying races.
Berm: Banked turn or corner on a BMX Track.
Lip: The crest or take-off point on a jump.
Table-top: This can mean two things in BMX:
1. A basic jump on a track with a flat middle section.
2. A classic trick done mid-jump leaning the bike over horizontally.
Speed jump: Single rounded roller jump.
Whoops: Steeper speed jumps set out in pairs. Jump them or roll them.
Triples: Steeper speed jumps set out in sets of three.
Rhythm section: A combination of jumps placed close together on a track to force riders to pump, manual or jump smoothly
through the section.
|
