Calgary News Watch

Got Gold Fever yet? The 2008 Olympics – the first for BMX – is getting closer. It’s so close now that they’ve released the track layout.

The actual track construction was scheduled to begin this month - May 2007 - with UCI track builder, Tom Ritzenthaler (USA) leading the construction. Some of you may recall last year’s World Cup Track, which I believe was another Ritzenthaler creation.

“BMX track design these days has become a science, in order to create tracks that are spectacular and challenging yet in a safe manner. This track has it all” said Johan Lindstrom, UCI Technical Delegate for the Olympics. “The Olympic track has the perfect mix between sprinting pedaling parts, highly technical rhythm sections and the high speed big, burly jumps. The track will definitely be the perfect canvas to select an Olympic Champion among the very best.”

The track is touted as having an 8 meter starting hill and a second straight split – the shorter straight for the women, longer for the men. Overall, the 3D track models (click on the link below to see them.) show lots of opportunities for some great air. Just check out the doubles in the men’s second straight. And the rhythm section at the end should be fun to watch. Notice the long flat at the finish line. No coasting to the end at this track. These guys (and gals) should be flying on their pedals all the way to the finish.

Speaking of which, Samantha Cools should be able to handle this track with ease. She can float over that rhythm section and shouldn’t have a problem with the sharp corner created by the split straight.

This track should definitely showcase BMX’s elite and make the sport a thrill to watch.

Layout: www.bmxcanada.ca

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 15th, 2007 at 11:25 pm and is filed under Sports and Fitness. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or Search Engine Friendly trackback (rel='external') from your own site.