Becerine & Cools take Elite Wins At UCI Points race in Columbus, Ohio

Official Results Posted on BMX Mania Report Page!

NBL Christmas Classic

 

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BAWLS GUARANA PARTNERING WITH INTENSE BMX

Miami, FL— December 27, 2007— BAWLS Guarana today announced the signing of a multi-year deal with VSI Products to form the Intense BMX/BAWLS Guarana Factory Pro Team. Featuring some of the sport’s top talent, the collaboration of these official sponsors of both BMX racing sanctions will bring plenty of BOUNCE to the 2008 and 2009 seasons!

Through the new partnership, the American Bicycle League (ABA) #1 AA Pro and #1 Pro Cruiser racer Danny Caluag will hit the track in all-new BAWLS/Intense BMX gear, as well including a limited edition T.H.E. Product Helmet! Joining Danny is ABA Rookie Pro of the Year, David Herman, who will represent Intense BMX/BAWLS Guarana at ABA and NBL races nationwide, as well as the International UCI events. BAWLS Guarana and Intense BMX also plan to partner in a number of BMX racing contests and promotions over the next few seasons, including BAWLS-branded Intense Bikes, in-store bike displays and giveaways at BAWLS retailers, BMX-branded packaging at Target stores, at-race clinics and contests for racers and a bigger-than-ever BAWLS BMX Blowout Contest.  

“2008 is a huge year for BMX with its first appearance in the Olympics as well as all the great racing going on in the USA and we are thrilled to have riders as talented as the ABA #1 Pro Danny and David joining our team,” said BAWLS Guarana CEO Hoby Buppert. “With this partnership, BAWLS and Intense BMX can combine our resources to not only support both BMX racing sanctions, but to introduce BMX racing to non BMXers everywhere.”  

The Intense BMX/BAWLS Guarana Pro Team joins an already stocked roster of BAWLS-sponsored pro and amateur racers including NBL Elite #4 Matt Pohlkamp, NBL National Series Champ Rachel Smith, the riders of Tangent/BAWLS/FLY factory racing and a growing network of tracks and teams around the country sponsored by BAWLS Guarana. Intense BMX will also field a 4 man team with 3 amateurs and a vet Pro to help further promote the partnership with BAWLS Guarana. 

“We are very excited to be working with BAWLS to form the Pro team and a marketing partnership. BAWLS supports the sport of BMX in such a big way in a short amount of time, making them a perfect match of our philosophy of giving back to such a great sport.” VSI Products Marketing Manager Pete Dylewski stated. VSI Products Toby Henderson commented “We are very excited to have a new partnership with BAWLS Guarana. We look forward to a long term relationship and many great marketing opportunities that will go far beyond the normal BMX channels.” The Intense BMX/BAWLS Guarana team will be supported by THE Products, FLY Racing, Shimano, SINZ Racing, OGIO, Group D, and Intense Tire Systems.  

About Intense BMX

Intense BMX is the leader in BMX racing. Intense was awarded Bike of the year, in 2005, 2006, and once again in 2007. Intense BMX’s new High End Race Frame, the Podium, comes in 15 different Sizes and is by far the most technological and advanced frame in the BMX market today. Intense BMX also offers a full line of Race and Jump bikes that are the best value in BMX today. For information on the Bike line, frame geometry, the line of the Intense Tire Systems, or any other scoop on Intense BMX, please check out www.intensebmx.com  

About BAWLS

BAWLS is the brainchild of entrepreneur Hoby Buppert, CEO of Hobarama, LLC, who named the beverage for the caffeinated “bounce” the drink packs. Widely distributed to local supermarkets, convenience stores (7-Eleven, Speedway/SuperAmerica), Target, Microcenter stores and gaming venues; BAWLS is a premium, non-alcoholic, carbonated beverage made from the guarana berry harvested in the Amazonian Rainforest. The caffeine found in BAWLS Guarana contains the same amount of caffeine as coffee and nearly three times that of traditional sodas due to a naturally occurring form of the stimulant found in the guarana berry. BAWLS’ unique refreshing flavor tastes like a citrus infused cream soda and its popularity continues to grow among caffeine-deprived, refreshment-seeking techies, students, professionals and athletes in need of a Bounce. 

For more information, visit www.bawls.com.

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INTRODUCING THE JOEY BRADFORD DISABILITY FUND

Monterey, California – BMX Racing is a dangerous sport.  As with the majority of professional sports, the money earned is all-too-often not enough to make ends meet, let alone pay for something as expensive as medical bills.  Professional BMX racer Joey Bradford has seen far too many fellow riders and industry professionals become engulfed in insurmountable medical bills stemming from injury or illness.  For this reason, in early 2007, the then 17-year old racer took it upon himself to do something about it.  With help from his family and key industry veterans, Bradford conceptualized and developed the Joey Bradford Disability Fund.   

WHAT IT IS 

The Foundation, a federally recognized and regulated non-profit organization, aims to ease the burden of medical bills, either by injury or illness, for BMX professionals as well as BMX industry professionals, those whose primary income comes from the BMX industry itself.  “Getting injured is the worst thing that can happen to a professional athlete,” states Professional BMX racer Brandon Meadows.   “When I broke my femur for the second time, things seem to go downhill real fast. I just started a family, lost my sponsor, broke my leg, no way to make any money, and it soon came to a realization that it was going to be hard to make ends meet.”  

Applicants must apply themselves or via a family member and their case will be reviewed by the five person Fund Committee.  If the application is approved, up to 50% of the fund can be released to help with monetary medical obligations.  

HOW TO GET INVOLVED 

At this time, donations to the fund are welcome and invited.  In the past, donations have usually been accepted after a rider is injured or takes ill.  With this fund, donations can be made any time, at the donor’s convenience, plus all donations are tax deductible.  Plus, donors will have the ability to donate to a specific injured or ill athlete or industry professional directly on the Fund site.  “The Joey Bradford Disability Fund is something that our sport needs and to be perfectly honest, something that the sanctions and the riders should have set up a long time ago,” states Jason Richardson, Professional BMX racer.  “Please do your part. Supporting this fund can inevitably help secure your very own future.  Please take a few minutes to check it out.  If you love BMX and are looking for an end-of-the-year tax write-off please donate.”

www.joeybradforddisabilityfund.org 

ABOUT JOEY BRADFORD

Joey Bradford has been working and training with USA Cycling and is a candidate for the 2008 and 2012 US Olympic BMX teams.  Joey is the proud owner of 14 World Championship BMX titles, 12 National Championship BMX titles and, in MTB, 4 Sea Otter Classic Mountain Cross Championships. Joey is 18 years old, hails from Monterey, California and rides for GT Bicycles.

NBL back in Southern California with the re-opening of Whittier Narrows BMX 

Hilliard, Ohio, December 20, 2007 – The National Bicycle League (NBL) is proud to announce the re-opening of the Whittier Narrows BMX Track in South El Monte, California.  As part of an ongoing effort to promote NBL racing in the west, the new Southern California track will be a welcome addition to the NBL Golden State program and will be running local races and practices in early January. 

The track is located inside the Whittier Narrows Recreation area and easily accessible to every county in the Los Angeles area. Robert Tombow and his crew are busy grooming the track for a January start and the revamped track will be the proud host of the 2008 NBL Pacific Nationals, April 4-6.  The National is part of the NBL War Of The Stars Pro Series and promises to be the ‘Grand’ opening for NBL in SoCal. 

A schedule of events and more information will be announced soon. 

The Whittier Narrows BMX Track is located at 823 Lexington-Gallatin Road, South El Monte, California, 91733.  rtombow@roadrunner.com / 909-841-4587.  

http://www.nbl.org/NewsDetail.asp?ID=108

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2008 USA Cycling BMX National Championships to Desoto, Texas Colorado Springs, Colo. (December 21, 2007)—The 2008 USA Cycling BMX National Championships have been awarded to Metroplex BMX in Desoto, Texas, the national governing body announced today.   Scheduled for March 29, the 2008 USA Cycling BMX National Championships will crown national champions in both Challenge and Championship Class categories.      Along with last year’s UCI BMX World Challenge in Victoria, B.C., the American-only 2008 USA Cycling BMX National Championships will serve as the only direct automatic qualifier for Challenge Class riders to earn a spot on the U.S. National Team for the 2008 UCI BMX World Challenge in Tiayuan, China, May 27-June 1.   “We’re extremely excited to have been selected to host next year’s USA Cycling BMX National Championships,” commented Gary Elmore, event organizer and race director at Metroplex BMX. “Our facility was specifically designed to host top-level national events and none reach the level of prestige that the USA Cycling National Championships will bring.  We’re extremely pleased to have been given the opportunity to host world-class athletes of all ages and abilities and look forward to a long-standing relationship with USA Cycling.”   Next year’s USA Cycling BMX National Championships will be the second since the discipline was deemed an Olympic sport – set to make its debut at the 2008 Games in Beijing next August. Two months prior to the world championships, Olympic hopefuls from around the country will compete for a stars-and-stripes jersey that designates a national champion.   “Given the centralized location of Desoto to the rest of the United States and the indoor nature of the facility, we’re confident we’ve selected the best venue to host our national championships in an Olympic year,” commented Justin Rogers, USA Cycling national events director.  “From the five-year-old Challenge Class riders to Olympic hopefuls and elite world champions, Metroplex BMX will help to deliver a phenomenal national-championship experience for competitors and spectators alike.”   The announcement of the 2008 USA Cycling BMX National Championships leaves only next year’s Master Road National Championships to be announced – an announcement that is expected to be made by the end of the year.   2008 USA Cycling National Championships:   March 29: USA Cycling BMX National Championships Desoto, Texas   May 9-11: USA Cycling Collegiate Road National Championships - Colorado State University - Fort Collins, Colo.   July 4: USA Cycling Mountain Bike Marathon National Championships - Breckenridge, Colo.   July 17-20: USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships - Mount Snow Resort  - West Dover, Vt. August 2-3: USA Cycling 24-Hour Mountain Bike National Championships - 9-Mile County Forest - Wausau, Wis.   Aug. 7-11: USA Cycling Elite, U23 and Junior Road National Championships - Orange Country, Calif.   Aug. 14-17: USA Cycling Junior Track National Championships - ADT Event Center - Carson, Calif.   August 16-17: USA Cycling Professional and Elite Criterium National Championships - Downers Grove, Ill.   August 30-31: USA Cycling Professional Road and Time Trial National Championships - Greenville, S.C. September 2-7: USA Cycling Master Track National Championships - Hellyer Park Velodrome - San Jose, Calif. September: 11-13: USA Cycling Collegiate Track National Championships - 7-Eleven Velodrome - Colorado Springs, Colo. October 1-5: USA Cycling Elite Track National Championships - ADT Event Center - Carson, Calif. October 24-26: USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships - Lees-McRae College - Banner Elk, N.C. December 11-14: USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships - Wyandotte County Park - Kansas City, Kan.   TBA: USA Cycling Master Road National Championships

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Tyler Brown Picks Up Some Good PR In Cali

Hot Shot BMXer, Tyler Brown picked up some BIG promotion recently in his home in Southern California. Tyler who is one of the top United States pros is in the hunt for a spot on the Olympic Team. Check it out.....

 

 

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Metroplex Board Elections Announced

Metroplex BMX Board Elections are completed. 

 

Some new, some old, some older, but all  are poised to be dedicated stewards of BMX. 

 

The Board elected to fill two previously unfilled spots on the board to allow the addition of two of the three great new members.  

 

Bobby Hicks, Shane Robinson and Mike Little the Newbie’s will  join Anthony Russell, Denney Wheat, James Narramore, Jim May, Shirley Smith, Tim White, Brian Clark, to form the members of the 2008 Metroplex BMX management board.  

 

We are very proud of the fact that three of our members are riders and two even sport Nag plates.  

 

Mr. Gary Elmore will continue to serve as Race Director and Mrs. Dziak will serve as recording secretary.

 

We would like to especially thank Mr. Joe Romero for his two years of service on the board. 

 

Joe’s work on many projects helped build better BMX programs in the Dallas Fort Worth area. 

 

We all would like to wish him great personal success on his next projects.

 

www.metroplexbmx.org

Media Frenzy at the NBL Christmas Classic in Columbus, Ohio 

Good news for BMX Racing!  With all of the excitement being generated around the NBL Nationals and BMX in the Olympics, a media frenzy will make the NBL Christmas Classic and UCI races the most-covered BMX event of the year.  More than 2,000 BMX racers will take over the Columbus Convention Center for the annual NBL Christmas Classic and President’s Cup and this year’s busy schedule features two UCI Continental races, showcasing many of the World’s top Olympic BMX contenders.   

For those not able to attend, you can watch it on the ‘live’ web-cast at GO211 (www.go211.com) direct from the Columbus Convention Center.  They will be streaming live coverage of both UCI events and the two-day Christmas Classic.  The web-cast will kick-off on Thursday evening with the first of two UCI Continental events and continue through to Saturday.  Look for interviews and in-depth coverage throughout the program and watch the NBL website for a complete schedule. 

USA TODAY LIVE will also be filming for their upcoming BMX show to be aired prior to the Olympics and will be digging deep to find out more about the top US hopefuls.  Free Agent’s Kyle Bennett, the current NBL National Champion and World Champion, will be one of several US athletes who will be interviewed on Friday, December 28.  USA TODAY will also be filming general segments about the sport and conducting interviews with the people who have contributed to the sport’s Olympic status including Bob Tedesco, NBL Managing Director. 

Additionally, the Columbus Sports Network will be capturing all the action to help promote the sport locally and showcasing the true diversity of the sport from the ages of four and up.  Fox 28, the local Fox Sports affiliate, will be on the track doing an entertaining and in-depth two-hour morning show that will feature race action, profiles, and interviews with a focus on the local racing scene. Johnny Diloretto and his crew will be live from 7-9:00am on Thursday, Dec 27. 

“The Christmas Classic is an NBL tradition and we are excited to have so many cameras at a single event.  This is a perfect venue to capture the excitement of the sport and it’s a good sign that the Olympic buzz is growing” said Kevin O’Brien, NBL Marketing Director.  NBL has played a key role in getting BMX into the Olympic program and we are proud to be a part of the exciting process that will see BMX in the 2008 Games in Beijing, China.

The NBL Christmas Classic is proudly sponsored by BAWLS Guarana (www.bawls.com), Intense BMX (www.intensebmx.com), Standard Byke Company (www.standardbyke.com) Sinz Racing (www.sinz-racing.com), and THE Industries (www.bmxthe.com) in association with Camp Woodward (www.campwoodward.com), USA Cycling and UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale).

Future Pro challenge Race Report Posted To BMX Mania report Page

 

 

"Rachael Luna and ... Dominique Daniels have chased each other around the country fighting to get the top spot to be the ABA’s National #1 Girl ... Now, their paths once again crossed at the Future Girl Pro Challenge ... at the ABA's Steel Wheels BMX in Portage, Indiana." READ THE WHOLE STORY ON THE BMX MANIA RACE REPORT PAGE!

FUTURE PRO CHALLENGE ACTION PHOTOS IN THE PHOTO GALLERIES!

BIG News From UCI BMX

Olympic & UCI BMX World Championship News Highlight The Latest From UCI BMX

 

 

UCI BMX RANKING

The latest ranking has been published, and with the Olympics just around the corner it’s getting more intense than ever. All continents have already held their initial ranking events. With the North American continent slightly ahead in the schedule, Mike Day (USA) and Kyle Bennett (USA) have catapulted to the front in the Elite Men ranking. The ever consistent Sarah Walker (NZL) has a slight advantage over Sam Cools (CAN) in the Elite Women Ranking.  

 

To view the latest individual ranking (dated 12.12.2007), please visit; http://www.uci.ch/ucinet/uci.asp?page=rankings&discipline=bmx&ryear=2008&ridercategory=me&l=eng 

 

The even more important Nations Ranking (which counts for the Olympic Games qualification) has also been updated as. In the Nations Ranking for Men, USA is currently ranked 1^st, with the Netherlands 2^nd and Australia 3^rd. For the Women Nations Ranking, USA has a slight lead over New Zealand, with France ranked 3^rd. 

 

The Nations ranking is based on the countries top 3 riders (starting from the 2006 BMX World Championships). The Nations Ranking will function as the main qualification criteria for countries Olympic Games qualification. To view the Olympic Qualification criteria, please see Part XI of the UCI rule book on the following link; http://www.uci.ch/Modules/BUILTIN/getObject.asp?MenuId=MjI1MA&ObjTypeCode=FILE&type=FILE&id=MzU5MTI&  

 

 

2007/2008 UCI CALENDAR

The 2007/2008 BMX Calendar is posted on the UCI website. Being the Olympic year, the calendar is running from 1 August 2007 to 1 June 2008, ending with the 2008 UCI BMX World Championships. See link; http://www.uci.ch/modello.asp?1stLevelID=c&level1=5&level2=3&idnews=3764  

 

2007 SEASON WRAP-UP

The 2007 BMX season will go down in the history books as one of the most competitive and spectacular ever. With the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup kicking off in Madrid, Spain, it was the start of a great series with amazing racing. Khalen Young (AUS) took a surprising win in front of the world’s best, confirming that he was back and here to stay.  

 

While the BMX Supercross World Cup took a break, the world’s best BMX racers headed to Victoria, Canada for the UCI World Championships to fight for gold medals and rainbow jerseys. The 2007 UCI BMX World Championships were held on a fantastic track, and creating some amazing race action. Many were quoted as saying it was “the best World Championships ever”. Kyle Bennett took an emotional win in Elite Men coming back from years of injury. Shanaze Reade (GBR) secured her position as number 1 in her first year as an Elite Woman. Junior, Swiss rider Yvan Lapraz could have won the “play of the year” title, coming from dead last to win the Junior Men final. Magalie Pottier (FRA) was the only one to double, winning in both Junior Women and Junior Cruiser Women. 

 

Jonathan Suarez (VEN) won the Elite Men Cruiser title, with Sarah Walker (NZL) grabbing the Elite Cruiser Women rainbow jersey. Fausto Endara (ECU) took the win in Junior Cruiser Men class.  

 

With only a few weeks to charge their batteries, the very best headed for the 2^nd round of the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup in Beijing, China. The event was not only a BMX Supercross event, but would also function as an important test event for the Olympic Games and be the only time the athletes could get acquainted with the massive Olympic track. 

 

It would be an understatement to say that riders and teams where impressed by the Olympic track and venue. As well as the spectacular and demanding track, the heat and humidity added another level of difficulty for the athletes. In the end, Donny Robinson (USA) coped with the exhaustion and showed his determination, taking a narrow win over Robert De Wilde (NED). For the first time, the Women were to compete on a full-blown BMX Supercross track. Not only did they conquer the big start ramp, but with the amazing skills of today’s elite women the racing action was brought to a whole new level. Shanaze Reade (GBR) took an emotional win in front of (returning MTB superstar) Ann-Caroline Chausson (FRA). 

 

The 3^rd round of the BMX Supercross was once again organized in conjunction with the AST Dew Tour, this time in Salt Lake City, Utah (USA). With an amazing setting in downtown Salt Lake City, the BMX Supercross track was ready for some intense race action. This however didn’t happen, when the skies opened up and forced the finals to be cancelled. The time trials were declared the official results, and the world’s fastest BMX’er (no elbows included) Mike Day (USA) took his first BMX Supercross win. 

 

The 2007 UCI BMX Supercross finals headed once again to Fréjus, France and the massive Roc d’Azur festival. This time the Elite Women were also invited, creating a spectacular racing show and frenzy in the French crowd. Laetitia le Corguille (FRA) took a strong win in front of the cheering crowd. Marc Willers (NZL) created an upset and took his first BMX Supercross win. 

 

The ever consistent Robert “Afro-Bob” De Wilde (NED) took home the 2007 UCI BMX Supercross Champion title in front of Donny Robinson (USA). Amongst the women, Laetitia le Corguille (FRA) grabbed the overall title in front of Gabriella Maria Diaz (ARG). 

 

Look for the 2007 UCI BMX Supercross double-DVD (more than 3 hours of race action!) to hit the shelves in January 2008. This is a must for every BMX fan. 

 

2008 UCI BMX SUPERCROSS WORLD CUP

UCI is pleased to announce the 2008 UCI BMX Supercross World Cup, the world’s premier BMX racing series with an increased prize money purse of over $100’000. The 2008 series will be feature over five rounds on 3 continents.  

 

8-9 Feb 2008 - UCI BMX Supercross World Cup round 1, Madrid, Spain

12-14 April 2008 - UCI BMX Supercross World Cup round 2, Australia Adelaide*

10-11 May 2008 - UCI BMX Supercross World Cup round 3, Copenhagen Denmark*

26-27 Sep 2008 - UCI BMX Supercross World Cup round 4, Salt Lake City USA (tbc)

10-11 Oct 2008 - UCI BMX Supercross World Cup round 5, Fréjus France*

*featuring women class as well 

 

The first round will be held at the newly constructed indoor arena Palacio de Deportes in downtown Madrid. The BMX Supercross event will be accompanied by a Red Bull BMX Freestyle and FMX show and exhibition, promising an action packed event in front of the Spanish crowd. Please visit the official website; www.bmxmadrid.com  

 

The second round of the BMX Supercross World Cup will be held in Adelaide, Australia at the Adelaide Showgrounds. This indoor venue will feature the Women class as well as Elite Men and is at the same site as the 2009 UCI BMX World Championships. Please visit the official website; http://www.bmxsuperx2008.com/  

 

The third round will be held in Wonderful Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark. The event promises to be spectacular with a permanent track being built in a former speedway arena close to the center of Copenhagen. More information on the 4^th round will soon be published on the UCI website. 

 

The final round of the 2008 UCI BMX Supercross will once again be held in Fréjus, France in conjunction with the Roc d’Azur Festival, 10-11 October 2008. In 2008 the event promises to be even more exciting, being scheduled in the evening under lights. 

 

For more information please visit the UCI website; http://www.uci.ch/templates/UCI/UCI5/layout.asp?MenuId=MTI2MDE  

 

2008 UCI BMX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN TAIYUAN, CHINA

The work has begun in Taiyuan, China, preparing for the biggest BMX event of the year – the 2008 UCI BMX World Championships. The city of Taiyuan, with its population of 3.4 million, is located in the Shanxi district southeast of the capital Beijing.  For more information, please visit the following link, the UCI BMX World Championship page; http://www.uci.ch/templates/UCI/UCI5/layout.asp?MenuId=MTI2MDI  

 

The official World Championships website has already been launched and contains information such as accommodation, travel and other interesting facts. Please visit; www.bmxworlds2008.com  

 

2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

There’s no doubt that the most anticipated BMX event ever is the 2008 Olympic Games, which will be held 20-21 August 2008. With a very successful test event last August, the UCI is confident that the track and venue are ready to receive the best 32 Men and 16 Women in the world. 

 

The UCI has launched a webpage solely dedicated to the upcoming 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. For information such as schedule, track layout etc please visit; http://www.uci.ch/templates/UCI/UCI5/layout.asp?MenuId=MjI1MA 

 

For more information on the actual Olympic Games, please visit the official website; http://en.beijing2008.cn/   

 

For ticket purchase and information, please visit; http://www.tickets.beijing2008.cn/?lang=en-cn  

 

UCI BMX RULE BOOK

The 2008 UCI BMX Rule Book has been totally revised and re worked in order to be ready for the new season. The new UCI rule book is now published on the UCI website; please visit www.uci.ch

 

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Round 1 and 2 of the European Championship 2008

ONE KENDA press release

 

Round 1 and 2 of the European Championship for Junior/Elite Men and Women were held in the St. Etienne, France.

 

The European Championship series started months earlier then usual.

Different training and planning was required from all riders.

No outdoor races yet and that meant smaller tracks and crowded events. In this case around 1900 riders were attending the event.

For riders of team ONE/Kenda it turned out to be a great weekend with excellent results even though due the early start most of the new parts and gear wasn't ready yet.

Magalie Pottier from France moved up to Elite Women leaving Joyce Seesing as the only ONE rider in Junior Women.

Emilio Falla from Ecuador is staying at the UCI center for his training programm for the 2008 season and meanwhile Emilio is able to race the events in Europe.

Emilio will go back to South America in January to race the Latin American Championships.

 

What caught peoples attention - the domination of ONE's Latvian riders in Junior and Elite Men, a track covered with small stones, the first jump at the bottom of the starting hill, Magalie's first year in Elite Women, not enough stands for the audience, and Emilio's and gates.

 

Results:

Elite Men

Saturday:     5. Arturs Matisons LAT 6. Maris Strombergs LAT

Sunday:       1. Maris Strombergs LAT  3. Arturs Matisons LAT

 

Elite Women

Saturday:     5. Aneta Hladikova CZE

Sunday:       3. Magalie Pottier FRA 4.Blandine Cottereau FRA 6. Aneta Hladikova CZE

 

Junior Men

Saturday:     1. Toms Skujins LAT

Sunday:       3. Toms Skujins LAT

 

Junior Women

Saturday:     5. Joyce Seesing NED

Sunday:       5. Joyce Seesing NED

Photos: BMX2DAY

 

Next race, round 3 and 4 in Holland (Jan. 12/13)

 

ONE KENDA is sponsored by: Pinch Gear, BOMBSHELL, SHIMANO, BOLLÉ, THE Industries, WLM DESIGN, UFO, THOMSON, FIZIK, ODI, KENDA, NIKE and BMXPIX

Intense/Phantom/On-Trac Makes History at the ABA Grands! 

In a season that hearkens back to the dominant days of GT, Intense/Phantom/On-Trac put together a superb performance in Tulsa to finish the 2007 season in historical fashion.  Not only did the team win the factory team title again, the team also managed an unprecedented sweep of every amateur title available including Amateur # 1 Boy, Girl and Amateur # 1 Boy and Girl Cruiser.  According to the ABA, this is the first time in history it has ever happened.  We are SO proud of our kids and the whole team.  So much happened that weekend, where to start?   

Let’s start with our fallen comrade Shane Vincent.  A wounded solider, a fellow-BMXer and a man in all our thoughts.  Working with FLY Racing, TM Donavon Long cooked up an excellent way to raise some money for Shane, while promoting FLY’s ’08 clothing line.  Several of the team’s riders sported custom ’08 FLY jerseys with unique Shane Vincent collars on them which were then made available through a silent auction to be taken home by the highest bidders.  The team was able to raise $3,000.00 towards Shane’s recovery efforts and we thank everyone who placed a bid, or won a jersey.  See the jerseys and learn about the effort for Shane by clicking on this link   http://www.pivotalproductions.net/videos/ConnorFieldsInterview.wmv  

Friday night is always an amazing evening at “the greatest race on Earth”.  The NAG 5 CHallenge/Pro-Spectacular is every BMX enthusiast’s dream for hard core racing at its finest.  The team had several riders vying for the prestigious NAG 5 title including Nic Long, Jake Peebles, Fernie Jaquez and Connor Fields.  Chad Street was representing in the Vet Pro ranks.  Though heavily favored, Nic Long had some bad luck in a Semi sliding out after boosting the Pro section.  In the end, the youngest rider in the competition, Connor Fields, makes the main and takes 5^th place.  On the Girls side, we had reigning champ Shelbi Long, Dominique Daniels and Taylor Wolcott in the mix.  Shelbi proved that experience matters and convincingly took home the win.  And our quiet, yet effective, Vet Chad podiums yet again with a 3^rd place finish.  Want to see what you missed?  Check it out by clicking here http://www.pivotalproductions.net/videos/PhantomNag5.wmv 

When it came to the racing and winning the Factory title, our riders really showed up to race.  Our ladies were particularly strong.  In addition to Dominique Daniels one-two win for Am #1 and Am Cruiser #1, she also tripled winning 13-14 Mixed Open, 14-16 Girls Cruiser and 14 Girls.  What a season and what a season finale.  Taylor Wolcott had a great Grands, putting together 2nds in both 13-14 Mixed Open and 14 Girls on Dominique’s heels.  She’ll be rocking NAG 3 next year.  Kristen Long wasn’t about to let Shelbi grab all the glory and hardware and rode like she was possessed.  Kristen takes the win in both 11 Girls AND 11-12 Mixed Open and NAG 1 for ‘08.  Teammate Felicia Stancil had a great Grands, too taking home the win in 12 Girls and 2^nd behind Kristen in 11-12 Mixed Open and yet another NAG 1 for our ladies.   After winning the Girls NAG 5 Challenge, Shelbi also goes on to take 16 Girls and the 7 foot trophy that comes with it as well as next year’s skinny digit – NAG 1!   

The Boys also proved their mettle with some superb performances, capping off some great seasons.  Christopher Blevins does what he always does – “bobbles” his way to victory in both 9X and 9 and under Cruiser and to NAG 1 on both bikes for the ’08 season.  Seanie Seanie Gain takes a 3^rd in 11X and finishes the year NAG 2.  Teammate and Fergus Fall’s finest Derik Bergh also captures 3^rd place and finishes the year in the same spot, NAG 3.  Rusty Nesvig completes an amazing season taking 1^st in 13X and 2^nd in 13-14 Open.  Rusty ends 2007 with a UCI World Champion title, A Grands title and well-earned W1 and NAG 1 for the coming year.   

Billy Russell makes his mark on the sport of BMX winning the 14 Cruiser main, taking home the Suzuki for winning Am Cruiser # 1 and rocks the NAG 1 plate all next year.  Connor Fields finishes up a break-out year by taking 1^st in 15 Cruiser and 3^rd in 15X earning him NAG 1 and NAG 3 respectively next year.  Kyle “The Bullet” Murphy finishes NAG 3 for next season with a solid 4^th place finish.  Jake “Pumpkinhead” Peebles takes 2^nd in 17-18 Expert and finishes the year NAG 2 behind teammate Nic Long.  Nic caps of a break-out season of his own with an Am # 1 and a double at the Grands in 18-18X and 17+ Open.   

As the season winds down and Christmas is right around the corner, we’d like to thank all the terrific sponsors who helped us get to this point including 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 ), BMX Jerseys (www.groupdmfg.com), and Scott goggles (www.scottusa.com). 

Finally, we’d be remiss on not acknowledging the Long family.  Each and every one of Melissa and Donavon’s kids finish the year NAG 1.  Shelbi wins the Girls NAG 5, Nic wins Am # 1 and Nag 1 and up-and-comer Kristen taking her first NAG 1.   Congratulations to an amazing BMX family.   The Intense/Phantom/On-Trac squad is blessed with not only some of the sport’s finest riders, but some of the sport’s best kids, parents, friends and supporters.  On behalf of Chuck Colton, Melissa and Donavon and all our families, here’s wishing you a safe, happy and Merry Christmas and may you be surrounded by those you love.   

If you’d like a little more taste of racing by some of your favorite riders, click here http://www.pivotalproductions.net/videos/PhantomGrandspt1.wmv and for an interview with tricky Nic Long go here http://www.pivotalproductions.net/videos/NicLongInterviewGrands.wmv

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Today's BMX Racing News - Thursday, December 13, 2007

OLYMPIC BMX RACING ACTION TO TAKE OVER COLUMBUS CONVENTION CENTER

23rd Annual Christmas Classic, President's Cup, and UCI Qualifier!

The City of Columbus will have more to worry about than just Boxing Day sales when more than 2,300 BMXer’s take over the Columbus Convention Center for the annual NBL BMX Christmas Classic and President’s Cup. This year’s event includes two Olympic BMX qualifiers where the top National and International stars will be competing for cash and Olympic qualifying points.

The three-day long Christmas event will take place at the Columbus Convention Center from December 27-29, 2007. The event kicks off on December 27^th with the 23^rd Annual President’s Cup, a state-vs-state competition, where Ohio will defend their National title against Florida and other top states. The event is open to all rookie, novice, expert, girl, cruiser, and pro NBL riders who have earned a state ranking of #1-#15 within their state. Special Silver Cups will be awarded to all riders who make their respected main events. Immediately following the President’s Cup will be the first of two UCI Olympic qualifying events that will showcase the Worlds fastest riders competing for over $7,000 in cash prizes and valuable Olympic points.                   

The showcase event, the NBL Christmas Classic, takes the stage on Friday, December 28^th and features full-blown National Amateur racing followed by the 2^nd UCI Olympic qualifier event. The UCI Olympic qualifier starts at 6pm and tickets are only $5.00 at the door. World and NBL National Champion, Kyle Bennett, will be in action to prove that he’s still the fastest in the World and he’ll have plenty of competition including current UCI points leader, Mike Day, and 2007 UCI Series Champion Robert de Wilde.  

Check out all of the high-flyin’ BMX Racing action at the Columbus Convention Center located in downtown Columbus at 400 High Street. To find out more information about the event including schedules and times, visit the NBL website at www.nbl.org. The NBL Christmas Classic is proudly sponsored by BAWLS Guarana (www.bawls.com), Intense BMX (www.intensebmx.com), Camp Woodward (www.campwoodward.com), Sinz Racing (www.sinz-racing.com), and Vigor Helmets (www.vigorhelmets.com).

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Longtime ABA Great Scott Snook Passes Away

For all of those who knew SCOTT SNOOK; whether it be as famed ABA track operator of Emerald Valley BMX in Eugene, national announcer, promoter of Oregon’s Governor Cup, or owner of national-race-vendor R&C, as well as the graffiti-inspired Bomber number plates – the sport has lost one of its finest promoters.

Scott’s long history with BMX racing in his state virtually made him the “Godfather of Oregon BMX.”
As an ABA National announcer throughout the mid-80’s to late 90’s, many of his famous “snook’isms” are still used today.

Scott passed away on Tuesday, December 11^th – after a long battle with his illness.

Today's BMX Racing News - Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Today's BMX Racing News - Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Today's BMX Racing News - Monday, December 10, 2007

European Rounds 1&2 Kick Off Early European BMX Season

St. Etienne, France - Euro Championship Round 1+2 / Euro Challenge Round 1

The 2008 European BMX Championship season got underway four months early in St. Etienne, France with a big indoor race. The '08 Season started early due to the Beijing BMX Olympic event "backing things up" several months with the UCI BMX Worlds having to held early early early so that National Teams can streamline their Olympic Selection process.

The track at St. Etienne was beyond technical and absolutely unforgiving: Both in championship and challenge, the timing was plagued by the number of crashes. Also, numerous riders stated clearly that they were in the middle of their training plan, somewhat tired, not really motivated by the championship itself but by the points in the National UCI ranking.

The unofficial results are:

Elite Men:
Saturday: 1. Sifiso Nhlapo RSA 2. Yvan Lapraz CH 3. Roy Van den berg NED 4. Ivo Lakucs LAT 5. Arturs Matisons LAT 6. Maris Strombergs LAT 7. Damien Godet FRA 8. Martijn Scherpen NED
Sunday: 1. Maris Strombergs LAT  2. Sifiso Nhlapo RSA 3. Arturs Matisons LAT 4. Jordy van der Heijden NED 5. Pablo Guiterrez FRA 6. Yvan Lapraz CH 7. Thomas Hamon FRA 8. Moana Moo Caille FRA

It was a very good weekend for Sifiso Nhlapo with a 1st and a 2nd. In his 2nd season at the WTC of Aigle, the powerful South African shows that you should never give him an inch... On Saturday, he had to muscle his way through the middle of the pack in his semi to take 4th.

In the main, he held strong in the middle while things were getting wobbly left and right in the first straight and powered through the first turn to lock on the lead. Sunday, while Martijn Scherpen took the day off after his stunt the previous day, Maris Stromberg , Moana Moo Caille and Nhlapo have a great gate. Maris is perfect at the bottom of the hill while Moo Caille scrapes a little before the turn: While he recovers at the top of the berm, the Latvian is gone with Aigle resident's Sifiso in his shadow. The other serious customer from Switzerland, the Elite  rookie, Lapraz made both mains (2 and 6) after some great motos.

Elite Women:
Saturday: 1-Reade UK 2-Convert FRA 3-Don FRA 4-Chausson FRA 5-Hladikova CZE 6-Labounkova CZE 7-Le Corguille FRA 8-Cools CAN
Sunday: 1-Le Corguille FRA 2-Chausson FRA 3-Pottier FRA 4-Cottereau FRA 5-Convert FRA 6-Hladikova CZE 7-Lazzarotto FRA 8-Reade UK

Saturday, Reade put the power down with Convert in tow, Le Corguillé woobles, Chausson unclips and comes back from last in the first turn to 4th. Sunday, Reade is ahead on the first obstacle but Le Corguillé is cleaner at the end of the first straight and powers it underneath Shenaze in the first turn. Reade woobles, goes off track by herself. Le Corguillé and ACC put on the show. This category will not be about who is the most talented - there are half a dozen amazing riders - but who will make the least mistakes: Skills, power, they've got it.. Now, who's got the nerves?

Junior Men:
Saturday: 1-Skujins LAT 2-Lajmi FRA 3-Pelluard FRA 4-Van gorkom NED 5-Svub 6-Smulders 7-Rozsenich HUN 8-Kaltoft
Sunday: 1-Van Gorkom NED 2-Daudet FRA 3-Skujins LAT 4-Blanc CH 5-Pelluard FRA 6-Aboudai FRA 7-Rozsenich HUN 8-Duhamel FRA

Van Gorkom is impressive...very impressive but not flawless... A mistake mid- race on Saturday cost him a podium. Obviously, Sunday, he kept his focus and Skujins, Pelluard, both excellent, could only see the deutsh's rear wheel.

Junior Women:
Saturday: 1 Ailloud FRA 2 Valentino FRA 3 Charpentier FRA 4 Vanhoof BEL 5 Seesing NED 6 Hissingby 7 Sprengers DEN 8 Arnoux FRA
Sunday: 1-Ailloud FRA 2-Valentino FRA 3-Vanhoff BEL 4-Charpentier FRA 5-Seesing NED 6-Brousse FRA 7-Arnoux FRA 8-Sailly FRA

As usual, the French delegation shows that the next generation will be as ready as the Elite women class... Eva Ailloud and Manon Valentino did not leave a doubt, up front while Charpentier, Seesing and the surprising Vanhoff from Belgium are battling, hard for the top.

Men 30 + = the "could be Elite Master"
1 Jahidi FRA 2 Ducos de la Hite FRA 3 Quichante FRA 4 Lecossois FRA 5 Pfau 6 Feult 7 Koehler FRA 8 Bonici FRA

Today's BMX Racing News - Friday, December 7, 2007

Today's BMX Racing News - Thursday, December 6, 2007

Matt Pohlkamp Plays a Luchador in his New Movie!

Watch out, Nacho Libre!! 

When he’s off the track, BAWLS BMX Pro Matt Pohlkamp has been filming a new indie film, “Zombie Luchadores!"  

Set to release spring 2008, the film features everything you could possibly need – zombies, wrestling, crazed luchadores, BMX (there’s a chase scene with Matt!) and caffeine!  

Check out the photo of the cast hard at work…Matt is the luchador in the back row, at the far left with his arm in the air. 

For more BAWLS BMX news and photos, check out www.BAWLStyle.com!

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Today's BMX Racing News - Tuesday, December 4, 2007

ABA BMX Grands Videos

The ABA BMX Grands weekend videos are posted up on GO211.com.

In case you were one of the few that missed "The Greatest Race On Earth", you can watch the PRO Spectacular/N.A.G. 5 Challenge, see the ABA BMX title battles unfold.

Find out who took home the brand new Suzuki's, or just check out the action packed mains as they happened.

If you were there to witness the excitement first hand, it's a great chance to recap the pressure packed weekend.

Be sure to check out all the ABA BMX Grands videos at: http://www.go211.com/u/abagrands/videos/

Today's BMX Racing News - Monday, December 3, 2007

Today's BMX Racing News - Saturday, December 1, 2007