BMX Makes 2008 Olympics

Bicycle Motorcross had its first big heydey in the 1980's. Racers grew up; some moved on to racing motorcycles. Tracks closed. Over the past decade, many original BMXers are back, and they've brought their kids. And the kids have a dream their parents never could. This time, BMX will become an Olympic sport.

Tracks have changed over the decades. Corners are banked and many are asphalted. Flat dirt turns with hay and straw bales are rare. Jumps are bigger. Some are over 6 feet. Tabletops, those ramps with the flat spot between - like a jump with the top cut off - are hollowed out, forcing their riders to get air to clear.

The gate starts are reminiscent of horse racing. Lots of shifting, some squabbling and balking, but then the moments of sheer concentration before the gate drops.

Equipment has advanced as well; aluminum BMX bikes are here to stay.

And the riders include kids and parents. The original generation has returned to race as well. To show their kids how to do it; to share a sport they themselves loved; and for some, the fleeting hope that maybe, just maybe, they can still have a shot in the limelight.

The World Cup, held in July in Brazil, proved that Americans still have a way to go. The South American countries had their share of medals. China, hosting the Olympics, is known to have an excellent team. Certainly, the fact that other countries fund their teams year round is a feather in their cap.

But 2008 is a test; for the sport and for the American racers. The first game is a learning process.
Some industry people and racers alike feel that 2008 will bring a surge to the popularity of the sport. Unfortunately, being in China, any TV footage would likely by aired at night or in the wee hours of the morning, if aired at all. But hopefully, clips will make prime time TV news shows.

The 2012 Olympics will bring a better surge to the sport - when all racers have more time to become familiar with the Olympic format. And today's pre-teens and teens have more time to get better educated about the competition and become better athletes.

While racers' eyes have long checked out the competition, either local, state, or national, it's time for their gaze to focus on the World Cup and UCI series. Afterall, there is nothing like an Olympic medal.