Bromont
hosts
BMX
Nationals
A 300-rider field is expected at the BMX Nationals scheduled
for June 29 to July 1 at Bromont, Que. Canada’s top
riders are ready to attack a revamped course at the National
Cycling Centre in Bromont. The competition also serves as
a tune-up for the world championships July 27-29 in Victoria.
Samantha Cools of Calgary is a heavy favourite in
the women’s elite competition after posting a victory
earlier this year at the ICU’s BMX Golden State National
in Prunedale, California and a second place finish at the
Victoria International.
A three-way battle is expected on the men’s side between
Scott Erwood and Nick Goertzen of B.C., and
Alberta’s Patrick Lebel.
A technical course
The Bromont course has been completely redesigned for the
nationals. ‘’The course is very technical, much
more technical than at the last nationals,’’ said
Chantal Philie the BMX technical director for the
Quebec Cycling Federation. ‘’The course builder
was very creative and even built a jump on a turn. Only
one rider can access that turn at a time if they plan to
complete the jump,’’ Should be quite a show!
For spectators, the access and sightlines have been improved.
For all ages
Competitors will range in age from five to 55 for the 2007
Nationals. Philie says the sport is gaining steam with its
inclusion in the 2008 Olympic Games program. She expects
the popularity to grow even more after the Beijing Games.
‘’BMX got a real boost when it gained Olympic
status and that has helped the federations build a strong
structure for the sport. It’s inclusion in the Olympics
will have a big impact on young people.’’
Junior and elite riders kick off the competition on Friday
June 29 with two qualifying rounds that evening.
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