| The sport of BMX racing is gaining popularity all over | | | | head and neck injuries. Knee, shin and elbow guards |
| the world, especially since it was made an official | | | | are worn to protect the most vulnerable bones that |
| Olympic sport in the summer of 2008. BMX racing is a | | | | are likely to make contact with the ground if the rider |
| sport that is derived from motocross racing, hence the | | | | wrecks. |
| name, bicycle motorcross (BMX). It's been around | | | | The standard rim size for BMX bikes 20 inches, |
| since the 1960's, however it wasn't until the 1970's | | | | although there are smaller and bigger sizes depending |
| when more and more kids started to mimic the | | | | on age and height of the rider. BMX racing bikes are |
| Motocross legends that they looked up to, increasing | | | | typically smaller than a mountain or road bike. It is this |
| the popularity of the sport. | | | | smaller size and lightweight, sturdy construction that |
| The BMX race track is a dirt course that is made of a | | | | allows the biker to fly around the course at top speed |
| starting block, jumps in various places throughout the | | | | and take to the air when they hit the jumps. |
| course and a finish line. Most races are ran in sprint | | | | BMX frames are made out of lightweight aluminum, |
| format allowing only eight riders on the track at a time. | | | | alloy and/or cro-moly (chromium molybdenum), making |
| Out of the eight riders the fastest will move onto the | | | | them light and sturdy so they can hold up to any |
| final race. The motos or the qualifying races give the | | | | punishment that the rider puts it through on the track. |
| BMX riders up to three times to get a spot in the final | | | | Although BMX racing a solo sport, teams are formed |
| race. Depending on the number of riders there are in | | | | by sponsors to cover the cost of the riders needs. |
| the event, there will be many mini races or heats that | | | | If you are interested in becoming a professional BMX |
| will filter into the last one that determines the champion. | | | | rider you must be at least sixteen years of age. You |
| Protective gear is an important element of BMX racing. | | | | must be confident in your riding skills and have proven |
| The racers' gear looks somewhat similar to that of | | | | yourself in the amateur classes. Once you break into |
| Motocross racers. The competitor wears long sleeve | | | | the professional class you have to practice and hone |
| jerseys to protect their arms from track burn in case | | | | your skills to stay there. BMX racing is a relatively new |
| of a fall or crash. Their legs are covered by protective | | | | sport. A sport that thanks to the summer 2008 |
| heavy-duty leather racing pants. Leather gloves are | | | | Olympics has now been seen world wide. This |
| also worn to prevent hand injury. Riders in official | | | | exposure is sure to keep the sport growing and |
| races must wear a full face helmet to protect from | | | | strong. The future for BMX racing is truly limitless. |