April08

This week, we're off to Weiterstadt, Germany (Near Frankfurt) for the European BMX Championships (One of our FAVORITEST races EVER! Check it out at, www.bmxeuros2008.com), and then, the next weekend, we're hangin' around and attending the UCI BMX Supercross (www.bmxcopenhagen.com) in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Olympic BMX Predictions!

Yep, you heard us right.....Olympic BMX Predictions! Everyone's talking about it, but one guy has the guts to do some research and come up with an educated guess!

Carl Lein, long time BMX Addict, Team Starter and EVEN, Magazine Editor of his own BMX Magazine, has launched a feature to his www.FactoryBMX.com web site, called Global BMX, with a bit of BMX Olympic Conjecture.

According to Carl, "these predictions are based on current nation's rankings, not what I predict will be the final standings.....see notes about final predictions. I've received several emails about rider's positions or omission from my list. These are not the official lists and they will change over time. The individual governing bodies from each country will decide who goes"....obviously, not Carl, will make the decisions, but he's got some pretty good predictions for you to check out.

Aim your browser at www.factorybmx.com/globalbmx.htm and tell Carl that BMX Mania Sent Ya!

Intense/Phantom/On-Trac Dominates Freedom National

Intense/Phantom/On-Trac’s NBL warriors made their way to Northern Virginia last weekend with the goal of extending their lead in their NBL Title Hunt. The Woodbridge track is well known to be one of the finest BMX facilities on the East Coast including a well maintained and manicured track, incredibly reasonable prices for food and parking and even indoor plumbing. Hey – the finer things in life matter! To ensure the team’s comfort, our Charlotte-based Tesar family came in and set up camp and what a camp they put together – full on wrench facilities and a mobile kitchen with all our daily supply of vitamins, fruits and veggies!

“Fly’n” Felicia Stancil and her road-warrior Dad drove in from Illinois to keep up her string of victories. Felicia is soooooooooo strong. She easily wins 12 Girls both days. In Cruiser she owns 12 and Under on Saturday and on Sunday we thought it would be interesting when combined with 15-16 and 17-24 Girls Cruiser. Not really. Felicia just powers away from the pack and wins that combined class, too. A monster on the track and off the track, a sweeter girl you’ll never meet.

Texas-based grommet 8X “Vicious” Vaughn Herrick made the trip East as much to race as to see the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and the White House all lit up at night. Vaughn not only won a trophy as a world-class tourist, he took two 2nds in a combined 8 and 9 year old expert class.

Cole Tesar had a great weekend, killing it in 11X and a combined 11/12 Cruiser. Cole managed to find pedals where his comp couldn’t and he just rode away every lap, winning convincingly finishing the weekend with a fine double-double.

In 14X, the rivalry between Rusty Nesvig and OFR’s Jordan Ryan is one that gets better and better with every meeting. Sunday’s main was a prime example with Jordan winning the hole-shot, Rusty passing Jordan inside down the 2^nd straight, then Jordan finishes the job when Rusty goes wide in the last turn with a tremendous swoop to take the lead. Rusty takes two 2nds to Jordan for the weekend.

15X Connor Fields, fresh off a few days training on the Chula Vista Olympic track, flew coast-to-coast returning to Woodbridge for the first time in 6 years. “The track seemed a lot bigger then”, he said with a big smile. With Grandma and Grandpa on-hand to watch, the “Conman” has little trouble for the weekend, compiling another weekend of perfect racing taking 15X both days.

Finally, “Quick” Nic Long does what he does. He blasts out of the gate, pedals everywhere, uses every backside to the fullest and kills the comp. Nic takes 17-18X easily both days and also wins the Sunday-only 17 and over Open for a little pocket money for use in New York where he joins teammates Connor, sister Kristen, Chris Blevins as well as Redline’s Anthony DeRosa and Brock Heffron in New York City at Rockefeller Center for NBC’s Today Show. Look for the spot @ http://today.msnbc.msn.com/ .

Intense/Phantom/On-Trac wins both days with scores of 92 and 90, adding a few more points to the year’s total. The team remains in first place as we enter the Summer. Chasing title in two sanctions is never easy, but it is made easier with great kids, great parents and great sponsors. To watch your favorite Intense/Phantom/On-Trac rider, check out www.go211.com .

Intense/Phantom/On-Trac’s sponsors include Intense BMX (www.intensebmx.com), On-Trac Garage Doors (www.ontracdoors.com), Phantom BMX Products, Fly Racing www.flyracingbmx.com, Bombshell (www.bombshellparts.com), FSA (www.fullspeedahead.com), THE Products (www.the-industries.com), SINZ Racing (www.sinz-racing.com), Intense Tire Systems, (www.intensetires.com ), Group D (www.groupdmfg.com), and Scott goggles (www.scottusa.com).

U.S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES U.S. OLYMPIC TEAM TRIALS TELEVISION SCHEDULE

For Immediate Release - April 24, 2008

Entire Trials Package Will Air on NBC, USA & MSNBC; Features Gymnastics, Track & Field & Swimming

Colorado Springs, Colo. - The United States Olympic Committee announced today the television broadcast schedule for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials and related Exhibition Games. The television package for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials features more than 46 hours of coverage for 14 sports on NBC and its family of networks.

"NBC is America's Olympic Network, and we are very proud to have the U.S. Olympic Team Trials featured in such a prominent way on NBC and its family of broadcast networks," said USOC Chief Executive Officer Jim Scherr. "For the next three months, the journeys of America's athletes will take center stage as they compete for the honor of representing our nation at the 2008 Olympic Games."

Below is a list of U.S. Olympic Team Trials that will be televised.

Sport/Event Airdate Time Network

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Women's Marathon Sunday, April 27 Noon-1:00 pm ET MSNBC*

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Women's Triathlon Sunday, May 4 Noon-1:00 pm ET MSNBC*

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Canoe/Kayak (Slalom) Sunday, May 11 Noon-1:00 pm ET MSNBC*

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Men's Triathlon Sunday, May 18 Noon-1:00 pm ET MSNBC*

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Weightlifting Friday, May 25 Noon-1:00 pm ET MSNBC*

U.S. vs. Argentina Men's Volleyball Exhibition Sunday, June 1 Noon-1:00 pm ET MSNBC*

U.S. vs. China Softball Exhibition Game Sunday, June 8 Noon-2:00 pm ET MSNBC

U.S. vs. Croatia Men's Water Polo Exhibition Sunday, June 15 Noon-1:30 pm ET MSNBC*

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Cycling (BMX) Sunday, June 15 Noon-1:30 pm ET MSNBC*

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Diving Saturday, June 21 3:30-4:30 pm ET NBC

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Men's Gymnastics Saturday, June 21 4:30-6:00 pm ET NBC

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Women's Gymnastics Saturday, June 21 8:00-10:00 pm ET NBC

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Wrestling Sunday, June 22 Noon-1:00 pm ET MSNBC*

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Diving Sunday,June 22 3:00-4:00 pm ET NBC

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Diving Sunday, June 22 4:00-5:00 pm ET NBC

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Diving Sunday, June 22 5:00-6:00 pm ET NBC

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Women's Gymnastics Sunday, June 22 7:00-9:00 pm ET NBC

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Track & Field Saturday, June 28 12:00-1:00 am ET USA*

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Track & Field Saturday, June 28 8:00-9:00 pm ET NBC

U.S. vs. Brazil Women's Volleyball Exhibition Sunday, June 29 Noon-1:00 pm ET MSNBC*

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Track & Field Sunday, June 29 7:00-8:00 pm ET NBC

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Swimming Sunday, June 29 8:00-9:00 pm ET NBC

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Swimming Monday, June 30 8:00-9:00 pm ET USA

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Track & Field Monday, June 30 11:00 pm-1:00 am ET USA*

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Swimming Tuesday, July 1 8:00-9:00 pm ET USA

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Swimming Wednesday, July 2 8:00-9:00 pm ET USA

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Swimming Thursday, July 3 8:00-9:00 pm ET USA

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Track & Field Thursday, July 3 11:00 pm-1:00 am ET USA*

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Swimming Friday, July 4 8:00-9:00 pm ET USA

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Track & Field Friday, July 4 11:00 pm-1:00 am ET USA*

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Track & Field Saturday, July 5 5:00 -6:00 pm ET NBC

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Swimming Saturday, July 5 8:00 -9:00 pm ET NBC

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Gymnastics Sunday, July 6 Noon-1:00 pm ET MSNBC^

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Track & Field Sunday, July 6 7:00 -9:00 pm ET NBC

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Swimming Sunday, July 6 8:00 -9:00 pm ET NBC

U.S. vs. Australia Women's Water Polo Exhibition Sunday, July 13 Noon-1:00 pm ET MSNBC*

U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Boxing Sunday, July 20 Noon-1:00 pm ET MSNBC*

U.S. Olympic Team Trials Anthology Show Sunday, July 27 Noon-1:00 pm ET MSNBC*

^ Re-broadcast
*Taped

About the U.S. Olympic Committee - The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) is recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the sole entity in the United States whose mission involves training, entering and underwriting the full expenses for the U.S. teams in the Olympic, Paralympic, Pan American and Parapan American Games. In addition to being the steward of the U.S. Olympic Movement, the USOC is the moving force for support of sports in the United States that are on the program of the Olympic, Paralympic, Pan American and Parapan American Games.

Supercross BMx Picks Up Mike Moeller

For Immediate Release Apple Valley, CA

In what is probably one of the weirdest and quickest Double A Pro switches since the Redline/Haro Griggs/King team switch of the early 90's it seems that Supercross and Crupi are doing a little pro swapping.

After just over 1 month on the Supercross Factory team Tyler Brown left for the Green of Team Crupi leaving an opening on the Supercross Factory Roster.

Not wanting to fill the vacancy with just any AA Pro as we want a rider that has loyalty to the program and is as nice to the kids and fans as the rest of the Supercross Pro's are we decided to leave the spot open for a bit.
That was until we received a call from one of the nicest and most loyal AA Pro's on the circuit. Mikey Moeller. Seems that he had decided to leave Crupi after being with them for 9 of his last 11 years and was looking for a new home.

Guess it is true when you're not looking for things, that is when you get exactly what you need.

After consulting with our team and Pro's , we knew our first thoughts were correct when Samantha said "Tell Mikey Welcome to the Family" .

We are looking forward to a long career with Mikey as he is in his pursuit of his ABA Pro Plates and the dreams of the 2012 Olympics.

Look for Mikey to make his Supercross Team debut at the ABA Spartanburg Pro National this weekend in South Carolina where Mikey will racing his Supercross EVO iS towards the podium along with the rest of the Supercross Factory Team.

For more information on Sammy, Kenth, Mikey and the entire Supercross team is up to check out http://www.supercrossbmx.com for news and product updates and more.

The Supercross BMX Factory Race team is proudly supported by: Atac Jerseys, Oneal Racewear, Blur Optics, Kronik Energy Drinks, FSA Components, Easton Tubing, Ogio Bags, Camp Cools Training Clinics, TECH BMX, and Speedline BMX components

First State BMX is proud to announce that Elizabeth "Lightning Liz" Passwaters, one of Delaware's favorite local Amateur Girl's will be making her debut as an American Bicycle Association (ABA) sanctioned Girl Pro at First State BMX on Saturday May 3rd. Liz will be having an autograph session at First State BMX at 6:00 PM prior to the evenings race.

Liz will be the first girl ever from the State of Delaware to become an ABA Girl Pro. First State BMX will be running a Girl's Pro-Am race to celebrate this moment. Liz will be competeing against some of the top girl riders in the region to kick off her Pro career. The Pro-Am is open to all ABA Girl Pro and Amatuer girl riders 15 years of age and older.

First State would like to invite everyone to come out to the track at 1045 N Walnut St in Milford, DE to help celebrate this spectacular accomplishment of one of Delmarva's top athletes.

To learn more about Liz Passwaters visit www.lightningliz.com

About First State BMX:
First State BMX is an American Bicycle Association Sanction BMX race track located in Milford DE. First State holds weekly local races as well as regional and national events throughout the year. For more information visit us at http://www.firststatebmx.com. For information about the American Bicycle Association please visit http://www.ABABMX.com

ABA, NBL & Friends Join forces To Put BMX In nationwide TV Spotlight

NBL News Release - On April 30, NBC, the official US Olympic broadcaster for the 2008 Games, is giving BMX Racing its 15 minutes of fame. The NBC Today Show, which is expected to draw more 6 million viewers, will be filmed ‘Live’ from Rockefeller Plaza in downtown, New York City. Two separate live segments will be filmed to showcase the sport and create hype for the Olympics.

You might even see Meredith Vieira aboard a GT or Free Agent bike and she’ll be joined by several other co-hosts and three well-known Olympic Hopefuls; Kyle Bennett, Donny Robinson and Arielle Martin. A few younger riders will also be featured on the program to give the audience a perspective on the sport so be sure to watch the whole show.

The project was coordinated in part by NBC, NBL, ABA, and proudly sponsored by Free Agent Bicycles, GT Bicycles, Fly Racing, Fire-Magic Premium Grills, Jig-A-Loo, and Pro-Gate.

Here are the exciting details:

· The Track: Mini-First straight, approx 120’, with a roller and 16’ set of doubles. A modified 2-person start gate, emulating the Olympic gate, will be perched on a special start-ramp to showcase the start. The track will be built by Tom Ritzenthaler, who built the Olympic track in Beijing, China.

· Date: April 30

· Time (EST): 7-11am

· Location: Rockefeller Plaza, NYC

· Program: NBC Today Show

· Confirmed Hosts: Meredith Vieira / Kenan Harkin, NBC Olympic Color Analyst

· Athletes: Kyle Bennett, Donny Robinson, Arielle Martin

· Attendees: Bob Tedesco, Kevin O’Brien, Staff / NBL, BA Anderson, Staff / ABA, Kenan Harkin / NBC BMX Olympic Analyst, Tom Ritzenthaler / Olympic Track Builder

· Sponsors: NBL, ABA, USA Cycling, Free Agent, GT, Fly Racing, Fire-Magic Premium Grills, Jig-A-Loo and Pro-Gate.

Enjoy and tell your friends!

Gilbert, Arizona—April 25, 2008— The American Bicycle Association (ABA) "The Sanctioning Body of BMX", continues its diligent promotion of the sport. Now, after weeks of preparations, negotiations and working with the bicycle industry and supportive sponsors it announces a spotlight appearance on NBC's Today Show. NBC's leading morning news and information show has scheduled a demonstration and feature of BMX, the newest Olympic sport for Wednesday, April 30th 2008.

The Today Show will feature USA's top BMX Olympic hopefuls Kyle Bennett, Donny Robinson and Arielle Martin. The true excitement is that an actual dirt BMX track will be constructed in Rockefeller Plaza for this first ever demonstration. The abbreviated track will feature a starting hill with electronic gate, a 120' straight, a roller section and a 16" double jump for Kyle, Donny and Arielle to showcase their skills. It's even rumored that some of the hosts of the show may even give it a try.

“BMX racers are the most skilled cyclists in the world, from sprinting to negotiating jumps, BMX racers develop these skills at a very young age. It’s great that the media will finally witness these skills, The Today Show is just the start of the media coverage our sport is about to receive.” Said Clayton John, ABA President

The show will air April 30th from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM and will not only highlight our potential BMX Olympians, The Today show will also give some of the top amateurs in the World the opportunity to demonstrate their skills on Rockefeller Plaza. Conner Fields, Christopher Blevins, Anthony Derosa, Kristen Long as well as SI Kids "Youth Athlete of the Year" Brock Heffron and ABA's current National #1 Amateur Nic Long will all be in attendance.

“After 32 years of organizing and promoting the sport in the United States the American Bicycle Association is excited about the exposure, notoriety and legitimacy the Olympics will bring to the sport.” stated B.A. Anderson, ABA Vice President.

The entire project with the Today Show was made possible by a collaborative effort from the American Bicycle Association and ABA national sponsors Fly Racing, FireMagic Premium Grills, Jigaloo lubricant, and GT Bicycles with help from Free Agent, NBL and USA Cycling. To add even more Olympic flare to the show Pierce Barker of Pro Gate is providing a scaled down version of the actual Olympic Starting gate. UCI track builder Tom Ritz, the ABA staff and Kevin O’Brien will be on site to construct the first ever BMX track on Rockefeller Plaza.

About The American Bicycle Association

ABA (American Bicycle Association), formed in 1977 and headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, is “The Sanctioning Body of BMX”©. The ABA organizes BMX racing for boys, girls and adults, nationwide and Canada. With 60,000 active members, 274 racing facilities and a 27 event-national race schedule; ABA is the largest promoter of action sports. For additional press information about ABA, the sport of BMX, ABA events or Professional racers, call bonspeedMedia; (714) 666-1999. To find races in your area or view the national event schedule, visit www.ababmx.com.

Australian team for 2008 BMX World Championships

Cycling Australia and BMX Australia are pleased to announce the team to contest the 2008 BMX World Championships being raced in Taiyuan, China from 29 May to 1 June.

GHP Riders Kick BUTT At ABA East Coast National in Spartanburg, South Carolina!

Man, the Greg Hill Products riders were out in force at the ABA East Coast National this past weekend.

Todd Parry, Vet Pro Legend, "retires" from Vet and ends up that he won A-Pro in SC on Sat!

TP becomes the oldest rider in history to win an A Pro race...40 years old and schooling the young dudes, good stuff, Todd!

Hey, speaking of veteran Pros.......John "The Jackal" Purse takes a 4th Saturday and 3rd Sunday in Vet Pro, how AWESOME is that?

The Jackal, back on his GHP bike, turnin' crank with the best of them, and only recently so......Watch out! Nothing worse than having a Jackal nipping at your heals!

Also, while all of the old dudes were busting out big moves on their GHP BMX bikes, and the GHP Factory Team takes 3rd Sunday in ABA Factory Team competition.

Besides that, GHP has a whole METRIC TON of the HOTTEST new parts and goodies ready to rock your BMX Season.....CHECK IT OUT at www.ghpbmx.com!

SWISS WIN BOOSTS NHLAPO’S BEIJING HOPES

BMX Mania Photo by Jerry Landrum

Sifiso Nhlapo kept his Olympic hopes alive when he beat many of the world’s best riders to grab a second victory in the 2008 European BMX Championship Series in Switzerland at the weekend.

The 20-year-old South African placed third in Round 9 and then won Round 10 of the 12-leg European Championship Series, the most competitive international BMX racing series in the world. The win came at a good time for Nhlapo, whose last triumph in the Series was back in Round 1 last December.

“It’s a good time to be winning because it’s getting close to the world champs at the end of May and that’s really where the form will count, especially with Olympic Games places up for grabs,” said Nhlapo from his European base in Aigle, Switzerland on Monday.

“I’ve been putting in some really hard work in training and have been so completely focused so the win was a great reward,” explained Nhlapo, adding that he tries not think about Olympic selection when racing.

“When I have fun, I produce better results. But this whole Olympic qualification thing just puts me under pressure if I think about it too much. So I try and just race for the original reason I started racing. To enjoy it!”

In Round 10 on Sunday, Nhlapo started in Lane 2 in and produced one of his customary powerful starts to head into the first corner with a half a bike length lead over Latvian star, Maris Strombergs. The bright yellow-clad MTN-sponsored rider then had a smooth run to the finish, in the process ensuring no other rider was able to challenge him for the win.

“I got a perfect start and leading into the first corner is key. I had a really solid race which was great after my disappointment at the Supercross World Cup in Australia.”

At last weekend’s Supercross World Cup event in Adelaide, Nhlapo pulled his foot out his pedal while comfortably leading the quarterfinal. But the foot and pedal divorce had dire consequences in that Nhlapo lost too much speed and was unable to proceed to the semi-finals.

But this weekend, on his familiar racing turf in Europe, Nhlapo earned 20 UCI rankings points, a handy haul in his pursuit of a place in the 32-man field in Beijing where BMX racing makes its Olympic debut. As at 16 April, when the current UCI BMX rankings were released, Nhlapo was tie 23rd with 53 points. His weekend haul takes him to 73 points and pushes him into briefly into the world’s top 10. A timely confidence boost if ever there was one!

Nhlapo’s next event is in Germany where he’ll contest the final two rounds of the 2008 European Championship Series on 3 and 4 May. He’s currently lying second in the Series and occupies third on the UCI European rankings. He’ll then head to Denmark for Round 3 of the Supercross World Cup on 9 and 10 May before heading to China for the world championships.

European Championship Round 9
Echichens, Switzerland
Elite men:
1. Maris Strombergs LAT
2. Thomas Allier FRA
3. Sifiso Nhlapo RSA
4. Rob van den Wildenberg NED
5. Ivo Lakucs LAT
6. Yvan Lapraz SUI
7. Evgeny Kommarov RUS
8. Roy v/d Berg NED

European Championship Round 10
Echichens, Switzerland
Elite men:
1. Sifiso Nhlapo RSA
2. Michael Prokop CZE
3. Rob van den Wildenberg NED
4. Artis Zentis LAT
5. Thomas Slavik CZE
6. Damien Godet FRA
7. Pablo Gutierrez FRA
8. Maris Strombergs LAT

European Championship Series rankings after Round 10
Leading riders:
1.   Maris Strombergs LAT 337 points
2.   Sifiso Nhlapo RSA 303
3.   Ivo Lakucs LAT 287
4.   Thomas Hamon FRA 257
5.   Arturs Matisons LAT 244
6.   Thomas Allier FRA 242
7.   Pablo Guitierrez FRA 238
8.   Roy van den Berg NED 227
9.   Damien Godet FRA 191
10.   Rob van den Wildenberg 186

Hey, it's warming up in the Midwestern United States, and the BMX tracks are bustin' out the starting gates (Random Starts on the circuits?) and gettin' the track on.

Cindy Verburg BMX Dayton, Ohio Proud member of the NBL will start racing May 3,2008.

Registration: Saturday May 3rd is from 11-12pm, race 1:00p.m. Fees: $6 Points, $10 Points & Trophy.

Directions: I-75 South or North to Rt. 4 North, exit at the first Stanley Ave. exit, turn right, take first left after Rt. 4 at Gateway. From I-70, take Rt. 4 South, exit at the Stanley Ave. exit and turn South. Track Address: 2 Gateway Dr, Dayton, OH 45420.

Any Questions please give Track director Jennifer Dozer a call 937-508-9543. Any volunteers are welcome, we hope to see you there.

Elite Men - 1 Randy Stumpfhauser 2 Matt Pohlkamp 3 Donny Robinson 4 Jeff Upshaw 5 Cristian Becerine 6 Jason Rogers 7 Denzel Stein 8 Jrich

Elite Women - 1 Stephanie Barragan 2 Madison Pitts 3 Liz Passwaters 4 Donna Snow

Elite Masters - 1 Tommy Opincar 2 Tim Dinger 3 Jason Carnes 4 Percy Owens 5 Raul Gomez 6 Phil Potosnak 7 Matt Silva 8 Ronnie Gaska

Super Ex - 1 Gavin Lubbe 2 Logan Collins 3 Kris Fox 4 Jason Sherrill 5 Matt Kelty 6 Tyler Faoro 7 Lance McGuire 8 Warren McDow

Elite Men - 1 Cristian Becerine 2 Donny Robinson 3 Jason Rogers 4 Jeff Upshaw 5 Matt Pohlkamp 6 Randy Stumpfhauser 7 Phil Delizia 8 Jonathan Villa

Elite Women - 1 Stephanie Barragan 2 Liz Passwaters 3 Madison Pitts 4 Donna Snow

Elite Masters - 1 Tommy Opincar 2 Jason Carnes 3 Percy Owens 4 Ronnie Gaska 5 Phil Potosnak 6 Tim Dinger 7 Dave Bittner 7 Domingos Lammoglia

Super Ex - 1 Kris Fox 2 Matt Kelty 3 Gavin Lubbe 4 Tyler Faoro 5 Jason Sherrill 6 Jason Larev 7 Warren McDow 8 Harley Kelley

The National Bicycle League (NBL) is excited to announce that GO211.com will webcast exclusive ‘live’ coverage of the NBL Freedom BMX National from NOVA BMX in Woodbridge, VA. Coverage begins on Saturday, April 26 and runs through to Sunday, April 27. In addition to tons of great amateur action, the Freedom National features two NBL War of the Stars Pro races.

A brand new format will feature a pre-race show, athlete interviews, industry news, and tons of great NBL race action.

The NBL Pro Series will showcase the fastest riders in the country and the Freedom National could set the stage for a change in leadership. GT’s Randy Stumpfhauser and Race Place BMX’s Stephanie Barragan lead their respective Elite classes and will have to be on their game to keep pace. Race Place BMX’s Warren McDow has emerged as the man to beat in Super-Ex and Formula’s Tim Dinger, who also doubles as the witty GO211.COM host, leads the Masters chase.

Tune in for the pre-race show and watch as the NBL season unfolds in front of your eyes. For more information and to view the full NBL National Schedule, visit the NBL website at www.nbl.org.

Saturday, 4/26 – Freedom National #1 - Racing starts at 11:00am - Rounds 1, 2 & 3, Quarters, Semis, Mains

Sunday, 4/27 – Freedom National #2 - Racing starts at 8:00am - Rounds 1, 2 &3, Quarters, Semis, Mains

USA Cycling funded team for Copenhagen Supercross World Cup announced

Colorado Springs, Colo. (Apr. 21, 2008)—USA Cycling announced today the eight athletes it will send to the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup event in Copenhagen, Denmark, May 9-10. The Copenhagen Supercross is the third of five UCI BMX Supercross events in 2008 and will also serve as the 17th of 18 races that factor into the USA Cycling BMX Rankings on the men’s side and the 15th of 16 for the women. The last race will be the UCI BMX World Championships in Taiyuan, China on May 31.

Five men – Kyle Bennett (Conroe, Texas), Donny Robinson (Napa, Calif.), Steven Cisar (Altadena, Calif.), David Herman (Wheat Ridge, Colo.), and Tyler Brown (San Clemente, Calif.) – received nominations to the funded team. Bennett and Robinson were automatically selected as the top two riders in the current 2008 USA Cycling Elite Men’s BMX Rankings. Herman was selected to the funded team after his outstanding win in the previous Supercross World Cup in Adelaide, Australia, while Cisar and Brown received coaches’ selections.

Three women were also selected for the squad – Arielle Martin (Pleasant Grove, Utah), Jill Kintner (Seattle, Wash.) and Amanda Geving (Largo, Fla.). As the top athlete in the USA Cycling Elite Women’s BMX Rankings, Martin received an automatic nomination, while Kintner and Geving were coaches’ selections.

To view the current USA Cycling BMX Rankings – the primary factor in determining the Olympic long team – heading into the penultimate event, click here.

2008 UCI BMX Supercross World Cup - Copenhagen, Denmark - May 9-10, 2008

USA Cycling Funded Team:

Men - Kyle Bennett (Conroe, Texas) - Donny Robinson (Napa, Calif.) - Steven Cisar (Altadena, Calif.) - David Herman (Wheat Ridge, Colo.) - Tyler Brown (San Clemente, Calif.)

Women - Arielle Martin (Pleasant Grove, Utah) - Jill Kintner (Seattle, Wash.) - Amanda Geving (Largo, Fla.)

About USA Cycling

Recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Union Cycliste Internationale, USA Cycling promotes American cycling through its 60,000 members and 2,500 annual events. USA Cycling associations include the BMX Association (BMX), National Off-Road Bicycle Association (mountain bike), U.S. Cycling Federation (road/track), the National Collegiate Cycling Association and the U.S. Professional Racing Organization (professional men’s road). For more information, visit www.usacycling.org or contact USA Cycling Director of Communications, Andy Lee at 719-866-4867.

Go211.com and the ABA BMX East Coast Nationals WEBCAST this weekend

In order to keep our BMX racing viewers happy GO211.com will be webcasting the ABA East Coast National from Spartanburg, NC. Prior to the weekends webcast GO211.com will have highlights from the previous Pro Series race. So if you're watching the ABA BMX event you will see Highlights of Pro racing from the Super Nationals in Desoto, TX.

The GO211.com crew will be arriving in to the East Coast Nationals on Friday April 25th and once they arrive at the track will begin pre production taping. Adam Gonzalez will be heading to Spartanburg with his crew and Alise Post will be going around interviewing riders and doing a pre race track description mini show.

Broadcast Schedule:

Saturday April 26th

ABA Webcast: Start time 10am Eastern | Race Starts: 11am Eastern.

Sunday April 27th

ABA Webcast: Start time 7:30am Eastern | Race Starts: 8am Eastern.

ABA WEBCAST - You can view the live webcast of the East Coast National on Go211.com at go211.com/u/eastcoastnational08. Coverage starts at 10am EST with race action at 11am EST. Don't forget about our live chat feature where you can chat with everyone else that is watching the webcast. All you need to do is login and visit the link provided and chat away. If you have not signed up don't worry, everything on Go211.com is free. So just create an account, upload a picture and some videos and join the rest of the BMX fans on our live webcast.

Mains events will be posted starting Tuesday after the event. You can visit the video page directly at go211.com/u/eastcoastnational08/videos/.

BMX is going to be getting some major U.S. TV time next week, when Kenan Harkin breaks out a little BMXin' on NBC TV's, Today Show which is seen in tens of millions of homes across America every morning.

Kenan will be the BMX Racing commentator during NBC's coverage of the first ever BMX Racing event at the Beijing Olympics this August and has been the racing voice of the UCI's international TV broadcasting of the UCI Supercross and UCI World's events for the past year.

The BMX portion will air during the 8:00 A.M. hour and again during the 10:00 A.M. time frame.

Being seen in the TV feature will be Team USA's, Donny Robinson, Kyle Bennett, Arielle Martin, and Kenan.

Evidently, a small BMX track will be built by UCI Track Builder, Tom Ritz and will feature a Pro-Gate starting system.

Both of the U.S. sanctioning organizations, the ABA and the NBL are helping this get off the ground, as well as GT and Free Agent Bikes.

The Today Show has been on NBC for 56 years and is the top rated morning television show in the U.S. market.

It's quite an opportunity for BMX to get some great exposure....Hats off to Kenan and all who have helped get the whole thing goin' on, it's bound to be a hit!

Now, if they can just get Matt Lauer (Today Show host) on a bike and clearin' some doubles, it'd REALLY be news!

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Action Sports Depot adds the new
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Special National Race Event Training Plans

From Coach Greg Romero

AVAILABLE NOW! 2008 UCI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 5 Week Preparation Training Plans

These plans are designed to prepare for a particular event. The track practice and sprint regime caters to the style of the track that you wish to do exceptionally well at.

These plans will start 4-6 weeks out from the race weekend and will include track/sprint and optional gym/power or bike/strength days.

The emphasis will focus on enhancing speed so you can peak in performance and give yourself the best chance possible.

Coach Greg will also map out the volume of work needed for adaptation while being sensitive to recovery and proper tapering for peak preparation.

AVAILABLE NOW! 2008 UCI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 5 Week Preparation Training Plans. Choose the one that fits you at Coach Greg's site at www.bmxtraining.com/trainingplans.html

NIKE Announces Olympic Shoes/Uniforms

At the upcoming Olympics in Beijing Nike will be involved with design product for all 28 sports, which is contrast from 11 sports four years ago in Athens. An interesting addition not only to the Olympics games but also Nike is the sport of BMX which has been growing since its induction during the 1970's, as both a competitive sport and and one on the streets. Always thinking outside the circle Nike have come up with this Nike Dunk Gyrizo, which is Greek for wheel along with innovative apparel that will be adorned by Nike athletes this summer.

“Looks like a dunk, but acts like Lance’s cleat.” That statement sums up the power and impact of the Nike Dunk Gyrizo, a shoe specifically designed for BMX racing. The Gyrizo, which is Greek for wheel, is actually built on the same cycling last as Lance Armstrong’s cleat. The external portion of the shoe looks like Nike’s wildly popular Dunk model, but the design of the internal plate transfers power in the up and down strokes of the rider. A strap on the upper and a lace pocket keep laces out of the rider’s spokes while a durable outsole compound was integrated to accommodate a wider bike pedal. Kevlar lace and metal grommets are also used to maximize durability. Rubber and thinner midsole on the shoe allow a rider to walk easily before and after races.

Nike’s goal is always to try to stay 100% authentic to the sport. The first uniform design created was ultra-lightweight, but riders wanted heavier versions, so Nike designers added more lining. The final version of the uniform actually ended up being 35% lighter than previous ones, but was still praised by the BMX athletes. A simple, Dri-FIT ringer tee is part of the uniform set and employs No-Sew technology and mesh on the back panel.

For Beijing, Nike is outfitting the US, China and Japanese BMX teams whose uniform graphics are inspired by checkerboards and the classic Comp 3 tire tread. The graphics also take cues from 1980s style, including a Bob Haro-designed star logo on pants and phrases written on the seat of pants like “C-Ya.” The uniforms don’t have the same graphic system as the rest of the Beijing uniform family, an intentional move by Nike designers because the sport is so unique.

Look out for much more from this fascinating technology from Nike in the future with BMX continuing to grow as a competitive sport as well as a leisure sport.

There's been a new addition to the New Zealand National BMX Team, and it isn't a rider......Well, it kind of is, but......Not really. Wait, is he a rider or is he a team coach? Or is he a master clinician who has taught thousands of BMXers for years all over two separate countries?

He's actually all of those things, and his name is Ken Cools, International Coach Of Destiny! That actually might be a bit over the top, but he's 'been there done that' when it comes to coaching BMX, and now he has a chance to coach a two person team that could land both riders on the Olympic BMX Podium in August.

Ken is also the brother of another fast young and upcoming international Olympic star, Samantha Cools, Canadian BMX Superstar who now calls Switzerland home......Whew, this is getting complicated.

"Big Rig" as he's been known to be called is a former Head Instructor with Burlin and Bubba Harris' Supercamp clinics that travels around America teaching BMX to thousands of riders every year, and knows how to teach BMX, and he is also a certified trainer who has personally coached some of the fastest of the fast, including, Sammy Cools, Bubba Harris, Joey Bradford, Alise Post and many many others.

Cools has signed an agreement thru the end of September, when Ken and New Zealand will be looking at possibilities for the future. Immediate plans for the team include a stint in Arizona, training with Bubba and a week at the UCI World Cycling Center working out at the BMX Olympic Training Track.......Nice!

Congrats to Ken and New Zealand Cycling for a great match up, and if we know Ken, NZ BMX will be in the process of becoming a World Wide Force for BMX soon!

British Cycling was the first National Federation to send its athletes to train on the track after its reconstruction a year ago. The track was completely modified to resemble the track that riders will encounter at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

Since the British team’s 4-day training camp in May 2007, 12 National Federations have trained on the WCC track, most of them on more than one occasion.

Three British BMX athletes, Shanaze Reade, Joey Gough and Liam Phillips, were back in Aigle from April 12th – 17th to train under the guidance of new coach Grant White, formerly of Bike New Zealand. They then traveled to Echichens, Switzerland, for rounds 9 and 10 of the European BMX Championships which take place this weekend.

New Zealand’s top two BMX athletes will train at the WCC from April 27th – May 7th. Marc Willers and Sarah Walker currently lead the UCI BMX rankings, and will use their stay in Switzerland to prepare the third leg of the UCI BMX Supercross in Copenhagen, Denmark, on May 9th and 10th.

Five Australian BMX athletes will also train on the WCC track in preparation for the Copenhagen Supercross leg. Nicole Callisto, Tanya Bailey, Kama Kazi, Luke Madill and Jared Graves will be in Aigle from May 4th -7th before traveling to Denmark.

Meanwhile the French training structure Optimal Training will also return to the WCC from May 14th -15th with BMX athletes Anne-Caroline Chausson, leader of the UCI European BMX rankings, and Romain Saladini.

Photo (from left): British team manager Keith Reynolds, with Shanaze Reade, Liam Phillips, Joey Gough and Grant White.

We have a CORRECTION to make and we'd like to apologize to Melissa Mankowski because we inadvertently in a Jet Lagged fit of ineptitude, TOTALLY MESSED UP the spelling of her name in a photo caption last weekend when she won the Elite Women's race at the Australian National Championships, Sunday in Adelaide. Sorry, Mel, we won't do it again, that is, unless we're totally jet lagged and mumbling incoherently in some airport somewhere between here and there!

The King of BMX is an awesome, unique contest to see who is the best over all BMXer (park, dirt jumps and racing). Each contestant that runs all three venues has the chance at being crowned ‘King’ as we add up all the scores for the overall winners. Points are simple- 1^st place= 1 point, 2^nd 2 points and so on til 8^th place. Every placing after8th (9^th and above) will only receive 8 points due to each contest may or may not have the same number of riders in it as some just do the park or the time trials etc. Racers, Park riders and Dirt jumpers- all competing for the title…..’King of BMX’.

Below are some short bios of riders that have a shot at the title, or stand out in one venue and will try to stay close enough to put them on the podium.

Spectating is free and the action is unparalleled, so don’t miss this one of a kind night of BMX madness!

Tyler Sparr- The panhandle’s best offer to the extreme of dirt jumping and park riding. He has represented our area in X Games qualifiers and the Dew Tour events like no one else. Double tail whips, huge air on the dirt and a sick smooth style are some of the things you can expect to see out of the reigning ‘King of BMX’ here for the last two years running.

Barry Nobles- Brought it down to the wire last year by staying near the top on the park and dirt and then setting a blistering time of 29 seconds flat on the track. I’m sure Barry wants the crown as bad as ever this year and could be the one.

Ryan ‘Z-Man’ Zelinski- So much talent in all three venues and still does it on flat pedals on the BMX track! If Z-Man stays consistent, this could be the year of the new king!

Bill Madden- Still jamming in the Elite Masters division with the legends of BMX racing. There is no one his age who can keep pace with him on the dirt jumps, and can post a sub 30 second lap on the track! None of these guys wants to be outdone by someone their fathers age!

Fort Walton Beach - Emerald Coast BMX
Bill Madden - Track Phone: (850) 796-2326

Directions: From Hwy 98 in Ft Walton Beach, go north on Beal Pkwy, then left on Hollywood Blvd. Take first right onto Jet Dr., go straight at the stop sign, go approx 1/2 mile to the Fred Hedricks Rec Center on the left. Turn into the parking lot. Track is down by the soccer fields. - Track Address: 126 Jet Dr., Ft Walton Beach, FL 32548

Round 9 and 10 of the European Championship 2008

ONE KENDA press release

Round 9 and 10 of the European Championship for Junior/Elite Men and Women were held in Echichens, Switzerland.

With snow on the mountain tops and sunshine covering the track it appeared to be a promising weekend.

ONE/Kenda's Joyce Seesing from Holland was in great shape very fast on the track that hosted the European Championships in 2005.

On sunday Joyce was in first but took the outside lane leaving the gap open for the competition. Joyce took 1 3rd again.

Toms Skujins from Latvia, the leader in the Championship for Junior Men was impressive. A bad start in the main on saturday dropped him back, but he managed to take the right lanes and finished 1st after all.

In Elite Women we missed Aneta Hladikova from Czech Republic. Aneta is suffering from an ankle injury, caused in Australia last week and might be out for months.


At left, some local Beijing citizens are hanging out near the Olympic BMX Venue, and the sign stands to direct BMXers to the track. In Photo 2, current UCI World Champ, Kyle Bennett seems to have found the track OK during the UCI Olympic Test Event this past August.

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