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

Official Results Posted on BMX Mania Report Page!

NBL Christmas Classic

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.

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

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

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.....

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

Men's Winner - Brian Mayo	Lady's Winner - Dominique Daniels

"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

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.