Check out
www.britishcycling.org.uk/bmx for the latest news releases on
the 2009 BMX National Series and the 2009 European Series. There's info
on the new national racing format as well as vital information for all
those wishing to camp at the first national in Derby.
Bloc racing is all about finding a format for racing that will help
showcase the sport to the general public and still appeal to riders.
One of the great things about BMX Racing is the ability to provide a
sport suitable for riders of virtually any age, that all takes place on
the same day. It requires a little bit of a buy in process from those
riders used to the traditional format of racing. Change can sometimes
seem unnecessary, and the "if it ain't broke, then don't try and fix it"
approach can sit perfectly with this format.
There's a large drop out rate with older riders (15-29 years) in BMX
that isn't evident in other Cycling sports. We need to put these older
riders on a pedestal and present an image that younger riders can aspire
to. We also need to achieve 2 other things:
1) a shorter, more exciting format that can be advertised to the media
and the general public. That's where the Saturday late afternoon/early
evening racing comes into it. 5pm until 7pm on a Saturday evening
should provide that platform.
2) a more professional approach to sport without sacrificing what's
great about BMX racing. It's family orientated, it's spectacular, it's
cheap (relatively) and it's accessible. Allowing riders to compete
within shorter time periods that also provides adequate recovery time is
the aim.
The Nationals at Derby will allow the riders and officials to assess the
proposed time allocations and if it needs to change....it will do.
Best Regards
Roger Wilbraham
Coordinator for MTB and BMX
0161 274 2022
www.britishcycling.org.uk mtb@britishcycling.org.uk
bmx@britishcycling.org.uk
