Since the ’70 several new bicycle disciplines have seen the day of light. Bicycle Moto-Cross (BMX Race), BMX Freestyle, Road Bicycle Down Hill racing (special prepared BMX bikes, no paddles, only brakes), Formula One road race-bikes (20” wheels and gears), Bicycle Trial riding, MTB down-hill, MTB Dual Slalom, MTB 4 cross just to mention a few disciplines.

Have you ever heard of Cycle Speedway?

As in BMX (a copy of stadion motorcycle moto-cross), cycle speedway can be seen as a copy of motorcycle speedway. Since I know just a little about this sport, I want to share this knowledge with you, because it might add a new dimension to cycling sport in general, world-wide.

For the first time I went to a UCI-Mountain bike World Championships in 2002, held in KAPRUN - Zell am See in Austria. My main goal was to see how this event was organized, since I heard so much about the new concept of the World Championship. Besides World Championship events in mountain bike cross-country and down hill racing, also 4 cross and bicycle trial was included in this event. In about 8 ½ hours I drove from Eindhoven to Kaprun in Austria. I did spent 5 days in Kaprun, arriving on Wednesday evening, just in time for the Opening ceremony in Zell am See, which was a kind of disappointing. I checked in my hotel, situated just across the main area were the finish was of the cross-country, down-hill and 4 X events. My former GT BMX Euro team member Daniel Herz (Austria) took care of my reservation, thanks Danny! Also the English team was staying in this hotel and that same evening I did meet with Scott Beaumont and his parents, whom I haven’t seen since 1997. I also ran into Dale Holmes, also a former team member of mine in team WEBCO and the GT Euro BMX team.

Very early in the morning the next day, Thursday 29th, I went to the so-called PERMANENCE to pick up my VIP card which I got from the UCI MTB department (Mr. Gerrit Middag; thanks Gerrit!). After that I checked the grounds, went up the hill to have a close look at the 4 X track designed by Franck Roman (former World Champ BMX and Down-hill top rider riding for Cannondale at the time). The track looked great to me, just a down hill BMX track. From the start and finish/ exhibition area, one had a great view over the to complete 4 X track. I also checked out the down hill track. That looked great too, fast, technical it had it all!  During my tour on the fields around Karpun, I did meet many, many old friends or better Old Skool BMX’ers who changed from BMX to down-hill or 4X.

The start and finish area as well as the exhibition area looked great. Big rigs were parked their of the main teams, manufacturers and sponsors, among others the Rainer-Wurz MTB team was present on the infield. Mixed in and around this area were the Bicycle Trial non-stops/trial sections. Two big screens were placed on the infield and a score-board would show the results to the spectators later on.

I was told that over 60.000 people were expected, specially during the weekend, Saturday and Sunday to come. Must be said that I was very disappointed by the number of people that actually came and watched the events. My quess is that no more then maybe 20.000 people were present: still a lot of spectators! Anyway, the combination of events made it a success. If one would organize just a 4 x event, or trial event, you would have the same situation as in BMX: only inside people would come and watch, meaning very little spectators.

The Down hill competition was very exiting. Steve Peat and Nicolas Vouilloz were far ahead of the rest of the pack. Its great to see how the technique of the bikes have been improved. The suspension is just as great as on a moto-cross motorcycle. The speed the rider go down hill, improved a lot due to better suspension. It was a good thing the big screens were there to watch the riders come down, otherwise I wouldn’t have been that great to watch just a few seconds of the race. Also the time makes it very exiting (haven’t I mentioned that before, concerning BMX too?).

The Bicycle trial guys have improved probably the most. Last time I have been to a World Championship was in Bielstein - Belgium, about 12 years ago! The skills and technique of these riders is fabulous. They deserve a lot of respect for what they are doing. Due to the whole set up of this Worlds, it was good to see these guys got a lot of attention from spectators too.

The Cross-country stuff for me is boring. I think its great to be competitor, but as a spectator sport, it isn’t that great. Again, very good that the big screens were there on the main area. One could follow the TV images of the race progressing. Without that, boring! This doesn’t say anything bad about the fantastic performance of the riders. I do have a lot of respect for them too, specially riding in these bad weather conditions.

Then on the Saturday afternoon there was the new installed World title to be one for the first time in “4Cross”. I think about 75% of the riders were BMX racers or former BMX’ers. In the semi final and final, only BMX’ers. As I said before, this just was down hill BMX on big wheel bikes with only 4 riders (pity). 4 Cross was the replacement of dual Slalom and the Boarder cross. All new names for really one and the same kind of discipline, BMX ! That’s what I think anyway. The racing was fierce, exiting, spectacular. The track was designed and built by former BMX’er Franck Roman. Franck laid down another great track a week later at the World Cup event 4 Cross in Les Gets – France. Guess who won: BAS de BEVER – Holland. The ambiance was great too. Many people (approx. 5 till 7000) surrounded the 4 Cross track and supporters all the riders, when coming down. Everybody was stoked about this event, even officials were very positive about 4 Cross now. I think it is a pity that they don’t understand that all of this came from the roots, …BMX.

My personal conclusion and opinion on “4-Cross” in relation to BMX. First there was BMX (Bicycle Moto-Cross) on 20 inch bikes and later on 24 inch bikes were added. In the early days Down hill BMX was kind of common in the USA. For whatever reason, BMX has mostly flatland tracks now a days.

In Mountain biking, down hill racing started. Former BMX’ers joined that discipline and showed special skills and technique: jumping double jumps, speed jumping, showing off and so on. Now its a common thing. The mainly BMX side of the riders wanted short tracks that could be overlooked by spectators easily. Then Dual slalom came in. Again, mostly BMX racers were the top. Bad thing about dual slalom was that coming down with only 2 riders, the race was over when one “killed” the other rider. Not good for spectators and TV. So, as an intermediate the Boarder Cross got off the ground. Riding with mountain bikes on a BMX track or something that came very close to a BMX track. This took a lot of riders away from BMX too. The older guys wanted to race bigger bikes and do something new. Now at last, within the UCI the Dual slalom was canceled and 4 Cross installed. We are back were we were: Down hill BMX racing in fact, only on big wheels and with only 4 riders in a race.

Frustration brings suggestions and proposals.
Its all great, but my frustration is that BMX doesn’t get the respect that it deserves being the foundation of all the above mentioned disciplines. Why call it “4 Cross”, while it is down hill BMX? (I know the reason of course). Why not include “real BMX” bikes 20 inch, allowing them to race with front suspension, but NO rear suspension. One could even think of starting with 6 or 8 BMX riders competing at this kind of tracks. I predict that BMX bikes will give you more spectacular racing. Including BMX also solves the problem that just that discipline within the UCI World Cup and World Championships is missing all the time. Ofcourse we talk only Junior and Elite classes here that will be allowed to race. Think about it.

Besides all of this, I think we all should rename all disciplines in BMX racing. When watching Eurosport the YOZ broadcastings, one can see a lot of bicycle free-style, tricks, ramp, flat whatever. Everybody on TV calls it BMX: this is NOT bicycle moto-cross my man! Why did they change the name in BMX for Xtreme bicycle riding? That’s the name I would give to this discipline: XTREME BICYCLE RIDING

The name Bicycle Trials for the trial disciple is just great, this is exactly what it is. BMX by the way, stand for Bicycle Moto-cross. In fact there is NO moto, however since this name is there from the start of the sport in the early ’70, it should stay like that. If you think marketing wise and then BMX in combination with the present UCI 4 CROSS discipline, I think it all should be called BMX (skip the name “4 Cross”).
Even better call it BMX Down hill Xtreme racing. Two advantages:
First, one promotes BMX in general and the youth section of BMX is still the foundation but also the melting pot of young talent to grow towards adult BMX Down hill Xtreme racing, Mountain bike Down hill enduro racing, Bicycle trail and even Mountain bike cross-country.
Second advantages: by using the above name for this discipline and separate BMX Youth sport from adult sport allowing only Junior and Elite riders to compete at these events, one builds the respect that BMX and its athletes deserve. Again, think about it.

European BMX racing in 2003 and on.
In my article Opinion on the European Championships in Esselbach in Germany I already stated that in Europe we have to make some changes. I indeed did mention down hill BMX tracks to be used in the very near future.

After being in KAPRUN and talking to many BMX’ers and former BMX’ers, I am convinced that something must happen to give a new boost to our sport and to help it grow towards an adult sport. In short, a new series of events must be created. Down hill BMX racing as in the early days of BMX in the USA. There must be locations in Europe, at least in 5 or 6 countries, were great tracks can be built.  These series counting for a European Championship must be for Junior and Elite riders as well as the 2 upcoming classes (14/15y.o). Besides 20 inch bikes, the 24 inch class will be run as well as a ATB/MTB class (just 1). We must try to get our Old Skoolers back who now run MTB Down Hill or 4 Cross.

These series should have all facilities and technical equipment as in other disciplines. Think of a large scoring board, timing and registration by transponders, qualification by time, fastest laptime, a false start system and so on. Ofcourse TV registration is a must and when we talk down hill racing, very interesting to watch on TV.  Europe shouldn’t wait another year. Act now, try to find locations a.s.a.p. I myself am looking around in our province of Limburg in the south of our country (Maastricht), were perfect locations are to built for a 8 man track down hill.  Again, its nothing new, think of the down hill track at Corona in the USA. I still got a video of a down hill track in Texas. Even with side hacks racing was great then.

Latest news: during my stay in KAPRUN I learned from several Elite riders present, that rumors were going round about a 2003 UCI BMX World Cup event organized by the UCI-NBL at the Woodward Down Hill BMX track in the USA, was a possibility. UCI qualified Junior and Elite riders would be allowed to compete there. We are talking about the same track as were the BMX X-games were organized by the ESPN and McGoo for several years now. When more news, I will tell you. I hope all of the above will start a discussion resulting in some action in the way I advice BMX to go. Concerning Kaprun, I enjoyed myself very much.

GERRIT DOES

Year 1968.

1968 - How bmx started in the USA.

The film ON ANY SUNDAY trickered off the start of BMX racing. Demo's in that motorcycle film on a BMX bike by Bob Hannah. Bob Hannah became America's most famous moto-cross star in the 250 cc Class in the '70s and was team-member of Pierre Karsmakers (GD: my brother in law) in the USA Yamaha motocross team. Pierre started to import BMX bikes and parts early 1976 and was the first official importer in Holland of special BMX stuff.

Year 1975.

1975 - The NBL - National Bicycle League (USA) of George Esser, now holding around 284 members, separated from the NML and went its own way!

As motorcycle enthusiast, I had a subscription on an English newspaper called MOTOR CYCLE NEWS. In its July 16th. issue I found an article on (as they called it at that time) MOTO BIKING.

Mitsui's bicycle division of England, were busy importing a so-called YAMAHA MotoBike (BMX). Mr. Mick Robbinsof Mitsui stated that "the machine" would be definitely for sale before Christmas that year. Retail price for this complete bike..... 100 pounds Sterling!!!!

Mr. Robbins stated that in the USA this new sport was really catching on and could have a good future in England and Europe as well. Bikes would become available anyway ending 1975.

Year 1978.

1978 - Europeans discover BMX in the USA.

The ABA makes the decision to expand nationally. First ABA national race held in Azusa, California. First large pro purse ($1,000.00) offered at a major race by the ABA.

Kyle Flemmingbecame ABA's first number 1 Amature. Kyle was riding for DG at the time. A couple of years later, Kyle was killed in a car-train accident going with 3 others to a BMX race. I will come back to this tragic event later on.

Again, this was the year I got involved in BMX seriously. I organized the official introduction of the sport of BMX during the international moto-cross event at Valkenswaard in March 1978. A group of about 10 riders did give a demonstration of BMX racing. An unofficial BMX organization was founded (not registered/recognized by the official authorities) on May 16th. 1978 by yours truly, called: "Eerste Nationale Fietscross Organisatie" (1st National BMX Organization).

Around this time, I contacted the municipality of Eindhoven with the request to put at our disposal a piece of land on which a track could be build. In the meantime, I got in contact with Louis Vrijdag (whom I knew from the moto-cross sport), at the time he was working for the municipality of Eindhoven, who also learned about this BMX activity because of his job. Louis and I found eachother and understood each other well and this cooperation led to the foundation of the S.F.N. "Stichting Fietscross Nederland" later on this year. 

Although I am writing about the History of European BMX as I know it, you will find that a lot of the information comes from Holland and from other countries outside Europe.

I think one can say that the developments in Holland, almost reflects the developments as they happened in most of the other countries, not only in Europe but even worldwide. There are many of comparisons. It might give a good idea how BMX progressed in general in the early days in any country.

Since most information on BMX developments outside Europe aren't known to a lot of people, I do mention in my stories the dates and facts of which I am certain they are correct. I also state situations and happenings that are interesting enough to be mentioned. Most of the facts can be confirmed by documents in my BMX archief.

At first as Gerrit Doesand later on as General Secretary of I.BMX.F., I had almost all international contacts up and till 1985/86 with individuals world-wide, with countries/ organizations asking for an I.BMX.F. affiliation. Over the same period I also can report on what I know on outside Europe developments in BMX.

ABA - USA, starts Leukemia " Race for Life" and raises over $ 223,000 in the fight against Leukemia. This program still runs today! ABA number one pro, Kevin McNeal, receives 1982 TransAM. Membership in March 1981 over 62,000 nationwide with 350 track facilities.

Switzerland. Early this year I did have my first contact on BMX with the importer of Murray bicycles in Switzerland, Mr. R.A. Huber. Only in 1982 serious action in Switzerland getting BMX off the ground by Mr. Franz Hattan.

The F.F.B. (Federation Francaise de Bicrossing) in France ceased to exist. Early 1981 at first two clubs, the BMX club of Beaune and Altkirch and later on Delle, formed a new organization called the A.F.B. - Association Francaise de Bicrossing. Very soon more bmx clubs would join the A.F.B. Its first president became Mr. Raymond Imbert (1981 - 1983). Ending 1981 the F.F.B. did have approx. 100 license holders.

BMX in Venezuela started in Caracas. Mr. Alfredo Matheus was the first president of the Venezuelan BMX Federation, the A.V.B. - Asociacion Venezolana de Bicicross. Mr. Matheus also is one of the founder members of  the I.BMX.F. later on in 1981. At the end of 1981 there were about 600 license holders and riders did compete in events in the USA (specially Florida) and Colombia. Also USA riders took part in events organized in Venezuela. Pioneers in developing BMX were Mr. Ruben Garcilaso, Mr. Alfredo Matheus and Mr. Solari. They were also the men that helped design most of the Venezuelan BMX tracks (early 1983 there were about 15 permanent tracks in Venezuela) and advised local clubs and associations to get organized.

South American BMX developments and specially in the leading country Chile, was very strong. The existing C.B.X. was transformed into the F.CBX. - Federacion Chilena de Bicicross and this organization was officialy recognized by the Chilian government in 1983. The Executive President at the time was the excellent Mr. Ruy Barbosa, one of the first directors of the sport in Chile (at present-2001, president of the UCI-BMX Committee). Later this year, Chilian riders did win four world-championship titles during the first I.BMX.F. World Championship at Dayton - Ohio in August 1982. These titles helped a lot promoting the sport in Chile. Getting organized in Chile is very hard, due to the fact this country is stretched out along a 4000 km long coastline.

During 1982, the New Zealand Government allowed CroMo tubing into the country and Pantha (factory) put out a truly NZ designed and made CroMO frames.

January 1983, the NBL - USA issued their new rulebook.

January 1983. The I.BMX.F. race calender 1983 was issued and distributed.

In 1983 a series of International events were named, the "STARTRACK 1" series.
March 19th. - International BMX race in Valencia - Spain.
March 27th. - Can-Am International Canada

General developments in 1984.
Developments and contacts January 1984 within I.BMX.F. Affiliations in progress:

Swedish BMX Association, New-Zealand BMX Association. Contacts made in 1983 up and till early 1984 with: Saudi - Arabia, Puerto-Rico, Malaysia, South - Africa (at the time problem with "Apartheid"), Cyprus, Argentina, Brazil and Greece.

In Switzerland the F.BMX.S of Mr. Franz Hattandid have about 250 riders of which 100 did have an official competition license. About 12 selected riders took part in the European Championships in Birmingham - England the same year. Besides the BMX clubs "Speed Power Malters" and the "Bicross Club Echichens", early this year the "Geneva BMX Club" was founded.

In France the organization started with 176 BMX clubs and 2669 license holders (excl. regional licenses ). Scheduled 180 BMX event for 1984. In their Factory Team competition 12 teams were represented.

In Germany B.D.R.'s (Bund Deitscher Radfahrer) issued their official Rule Book as shown here.

General developments in 1985.

An application letter (recognition of BMX as Olympic sport) was sent to the IOC (International Olympic Committee) in Switzerland September 1984. Here an article in BMX Plus on that and an update on the present situation within I.BMX.F. by General Secretary Gerrit Does.

In Holland, the board of the Royal Dutch Cycling Federation (K.N.W.U.) had appointed a new BMX Committee. Its members were: Mr. B. Leurs(chairman) - Mr. L. Vrijdag (secretary) - Mr. R. Bloemendaal, Mr. G. Rooijakkers and Mr. F. Verspaandonk as members.

Furthermore Holland did have eight (8) districts at the time and each district did have a coordinator called “AFL”. The were: Mr. A. Steenbergen (district I) - Mr. H. Nunes Vas (district II) -  Mr. R. van ter Beek (district III) - Mr. H. Van Wiltenburg (district IV) - Mr. H. Schuiling (district V) - Mr. B. de Weijer (district VI) - Mr. Th. Slaats (district VII) and Mr. F. van Leeuwen (district VIII).

YEAR 1986.

1986 - January. It was in this year that another bicycle sport called Bicycle-trial or Trialsin, was officially enclosed in the U.C.I. - FIAC.

For the first time a World-Championship would be organized later on this year. Main-man concerning Trialsin development was Mr. Pedro PI, a former motorcycle-trial rider and champion. Germany and Spain were the countries were the concentration of riders was. Also France, Switzerland and Italy were involved.

January.  I received a report concerning the International Bicicross Congress held January 13th. at Long Beach California.

Very disappointing was the fact that without democratic decision making the I.BMX.F. decided to cancel the scheduled World Championship1986 to be held in Venezuela and they allocated this event now to England!!! Motivation was poor: Mr. Hoar stated as a reason for moving the Worlds that, Venezuela did not have either the personal or human resources to organize the Worlds. Mr. Matheus repeatedly refuted this, however without any result. The decision was made and nothing good be done now. Politics seemed to be the real reason to change the location. I wasn't happy with this procedure at all, but couldn't do anything not being involved in the I.BMX.F. anymore. Venezuela deserved better!

YEAR 1988.

1988 - General developments:

Belgium: In 1987 and 1988 a working together relationship was established between the Belgium leading BMX organization, B.C.B. (Belgium Cyclo Federation) and Belgium FIAC/UCI affiliated organization K.B.W.B. (Royal Belgium Cycling Federation). However this cooperation never came really true this time. Both federations went their own way during 1988.

In Belgium the other existing BMX organizations. B.L.F. and V.B.F. seized to exist. The BMX organization active in the French speaking part of Belgium called F.BMX.B. also disappeared from the BMX scene.

Trialsin:
Trialsin has developed more in the past 2 years. Two World Championships have been organized and besides Spain and Germany, also France, Italy and Switzerland were very active now. Trialsin was developing in Canada and in the USA. Trialsin is promoted heavily at this very moment. Ot PI, the Overall 1987 World Champion Trialsin, is going to the USA for 3 months later on this year to perform and run schools/trialsin clinics together with National U.S.A. Champion Kevin Norton. The III UCI Trialsin World Championship will be a four round series in 1988: Round 1 in Spain on July 17th., Round 2 in France on July 24th., Round 4 in Germany on July 31st. and Round 4 in Belgium on August 7th.

Just to know how such an event was organized, I did go to the one in Belgium at Bilstain, which was very interesting. I also did meet for the first time with GT sponsored Hans Jorg REY (at the time Swiss Trialsin Champion). At the event there were riders present from the following countries: Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, France, Tjechoslowakia, USA, Andorra, Italy and Germany, overall around 170 participants.

YEAR 1990.

1990 - Developments in the sport of BMX.

Up and till 1989 I have been kind of well informed about what was going in within I.BMX.F. even though I did not hold an official position in that organization anymore. However since I.BMX.F. got involved with F.I.A.C. / UCI more and more, information and communication became rare and you will find from here on less inside information and more info about racing activities within Europe.

More and more I was forced in a kind of opposition situation by the development in our sport, specially in Europe. Political aspects came into our sportsorganizations which I didn't like at all.

January 13th - 14th., the I.BMX.F. Board of Directors meeting took place in Huntington Beach - USA.

Among other things it was decided that in 1990 there would be an OPEN European Championship in Superclass 20 and 24 inch. This did mean that also Superclass riders from outside Europe were allowed to compete, which was good for competition and promotion of BMX.

I.BMX.F / FIAC. The board discussed the proposal, made by the "Commission of equal representatives I.BMX.F. / FIAC" in London on September 16th/17th, 1989.
In a nutshell, the outcome of this discussion was that:

The I.BMX.F. agrees with a unified World Championship a.s.a.p. A unified World Championship in 1991 is not considered to be realistic since both UCI/FIAC and I.BMX.F. already have allocated their respective World Championships in that year. The I.BMX.F. agrees with an exchange of riders at I.BMX.F. and FIAC races worldwide in 1990, except for those races that will be run for a Continental or World Championship.

 

February. International BMX race at Houthalen Belgium, I.BMX.F. sanctioned event.

Will be updated later.

February 24th. The 6th. International Indoor de Tours - France took place at the Palais des Expositions, sanctioned by the I.BMX.F.

This event also did count for the European Championship Superclass and was round 1 of this years series. In total 1300 entries and on Sunday over 7000 spectators. Superclass 20" final participants were: Rob Bulten, Yannick Delporte, Phil Hoogendoorn, Nico Does, Bas de Bever, Eric Minozzi, Dale Holmes, J.P. Laurent. Final result top three: 1st. Bas de Bever (NL), 2nd. Eric Minozzi (F) and 3rd. place Yannick Delporte (F). Freestyle demo's were presented by the French MAD DOGS.

March 15th. I received a letter dated March 8th, written by Christophe Leveque applying for a team membership within the MCS Europe BMX race Team.

Here the text in French: "A l'intention de Monsieur Gerrit Does. Suite a notre entretien a l'indoor de Tours et a la lettre que vous m'envoy fait parvenu, un accord entre Velo 2000 et moi a ete conclu au sujet de votre proposition de roule sur MCS. Donc pour le saison 1990 je roulerai sur MCS avec te tenue et les velos et, V2000 me paiera les deplacements. Je suis heureuse de me joindre a cette equipe et j'esperai depuis longtemps une proposition d'une telle marque Americaine. Cette annee 1990 a bien commencer pour moi et j'espere que ca continuera. En ce qui concerne le materiel, je voudrais un cadre et fourche MCS 20" XL au lieu d'un XLX. Rendez-vous a l'indoor de Bercy le 17 mars, salutations sportives, Christophe Leveque

March 18th., the 6th. International Indoor de Bercy - Paris, France took place, I.BMX.F sanctioned.

No event was run in 1989 and this one would be the last Bercy indoor race up untill the time I did publish this info (January 2002).

The King of Bercy competition has been won by the following riders during the year the Bercy race was run:
1984 - Bercy I:    Stu Thomsen (USA)
1985 - Bercy II:   Tommy Brackens (USA)
1986 - Bercy III:  Pete Lancarevitch (USA)
1987 - Bercy IV:  Eric Minozzi (France)
1988 - Bercy V:   Rick Palmer (USA) and
1990 - Bercy VI:  Mike King (USA).

This one day event was open to the public from 13.30 on till about 18.00 hours. A spectacular opening, interviews and great competition made this event very special. Included in the program besides racing were Freestyle demo's. US top Pro Matt Hoffman and teamrider Kevin Jones made the crowd go wild! Only 592 invited riders were present of which several foreign riders. In entries there were 470 expert and girl class riders, 64 Superclass entries, 32 Supergirls and 26 Pro-Am riders entered in the King of Bercy competition.

In Expert class there were 247 French riders, 26 Dutch, 20 Belgium, 19 Swiss, 17 English, 13 German, 6 Spanish, 4 Italian, 4 Norwegian, 3 Danish and 1 riders from Sweden present. Around 9.000 spectators watched this event and saw the following riders win.

Pro Am (King of Bercy):
1. Mike King(USA)
2. Todd Blazer (USA)
3. Geth Shooter (GB)
4. Bas de Bever (NL)
5. Todd Corbit (USA)
6. Tom Lynch (GB)
7. David Kastler (F)
8. Charles Townsend (USA)

Superclass 20":
1. Jorg de Louw(NL)
2. Laurent Rougemont (F)
3. Francky van Roy (B)
4. Arjan v.d. Groenendaal (NL)
5. Neiko Hirzburch (G)
6. Fabrice Vettoretti (F)
7. Vincent Claessens (CH)
8. Pierre Henri Sauze (F)

Supergirls:
1. Melanie van Deene(NL)
2. Luci Adeyemo (GB)
3. Corine Dorland (NL)
4. Christelle Le Saout (F)
5. Isabelle Chaplain (F)
6. Sandrine Macrez (F)
7. Wendy Dekker (NL)
8. Tina Madsen (DK)

Experts 7:       1st. Gabriel Martin (F)
Experts 8/9:    1st. Cedric Satelma (F)
Experts 10/11: 1st. Carmine Falco (F)
Experts 12/13: 1st. Jean-C. Tricard (F)
Experts 14/15: 1st. Renaud Trottain (F)
Experts 16/17: 1st. Jurgen v. Melis (NL)

Experts 18 +:
1st.  Michel Lavandet (F)
2nd. Imko M.Gerrits (NL)
3rd.  John Wermink (NL)

Girls 7 & under: 1st. Susan Kutjet (NL)
Girls 8/9:           1st. Sabrine Jonnier (F)
Girls 10/11:       1st. Danielle Klijnstra (NL)

Girls 12/13:
1st.  Aline Rode (F)
2nd. Anne-Caroline Chausson(F)
(note: Anne-Caro became the first ever Elite women years later, in 2008, to win the Olympic title in Elite women, Beijing - China)

Girls 14/15:
1st.  Arieta Minnema (NL)
2nd. Valerie Lassauce (F)
3rd.  Cecile Frayssinet (F)

Last but not least, the guys that made the audience "crazy" were announcers/speakers Michel Lemal(B) and a young French guy called "Amadeus".

 

April 29th., was a tragic day for German BMX.
Chairman of the BMX Department of the B.D.R. (Bund Deutscher Radfahrer) Mr.Harry Blau, died from a heart attack
.

May 19 - 21st. The I.BMX.F. European Challenge Cup VII, Ponypark Slagharen in Holland.

A double European Championship round for Superclass round 2. Special guest of honor during this ECC event was Mr. Tadashi Inoue - Japan, who together with organizer of this E.C.C. Gerrit Does, is one of the original founders of the I.BMX.F. Special prize for fastest laptime in Superclass. Co-sponsor of this event was MCS Bicycles Inc.- USA. Here again some facts and figures.

Pre-entries for this event were 1643. The actual number of riders present during this event was 1533 (5.9% did not show up). Expert class had 846 entries, Girls class had 237 entries, Cruiser class 321 entries, Superclass 20" had 61 entries, Superclass 24" had 46 entries and Superclass Trophy did have 22 entries. In total 25 factory teams entered the Factory Team Trophy competition. 15 countries were represented. They were: Latvia, Czechoslovakia, Italy, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, England, France, Spain, Scotland and Holland.

Out of the 32 classes and in total 256 trophies, Holland had 116 trophies (45,3% of total), France had 65 trophies (25,4%), England had 28 trophies (10,9%), Germany had 14 trophies (5,5%), Denmark won 8 trophies (3,1%) Switzerland won 8 trophies (3,1%), Belgium won 7 trophies (2,7%), Norway won 3 trophies (1,2%), Sweden-Austria and Italy won 2 trophies (0,8%) and Czechoslovakia won 1 trophy (0,4%).

211 moto's x 3 gives 633 moto's were run, 60 - 1/8 finals, 65 - ¼ finals, 62 - semi finals and 34 finals. In total 854 races (equal amount of gate drops, practice not included!)

Announcers during this event were Hans de Vries (NL), Paul Roberts (GB) and Michel Lemal (B). Spectators were informed in Dutch, English, French and German. The official opening of the event was done by the 3 riders finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd. at the 1989 Worlds in Brisbane - Australia, Eric Minozzi (France), Bas de Bever and Nico Does (both from Holland).

As during all E.C.C. event 2 doctors were present, Md. Jan Rijntjens and local Md. Tinselboer. Both doctors were leading the 12 people from the local Red Cross organization, who were located on and around the track.

Present during the official opening were Mr. Gerrit Does (organizer), Mr. Frans du Maine (chairman KNWU - BMX committee), Mr. Tadashi Inoue (Japan, friend of GD and one of the original founders of the I.BMX.F) and the president of the KNWU (Royal Dutch Cycling Federation) Mr. Pieter Zevenbergen.

*** foto Yannick Delporte 129, Sebastien Fer 137 and Fred Legall MCS

Results of the Superclass Throphy race:
1. Winnie Wright (GB), 2. Geth Shooter (GB), 3. Eddy Sweers (NL).

Results Superclass 20 inch:
1. Rob Bulten (NL), 2. Phil Hoogendoorn (NL), 3. Franck Chevreton (F),

European Committee meeting.
During the E.C.C. (European Challenge Cup) at Slagharen, a European Committee meeting was held. To give you an idea who was involved at the time, here the names of the European representatives:

Michel Lemal and Anita van Engeland  - Belgium
Gisela Bidlingmaier and Andreas Jung  - Germany
Eric Gentizon  - Switzerland
Aldons Vrublevskis  - Latvia
Thorbjorn D. Dybdahl and Arvid Meland  - Norway
Bjorn Madsen  - Denmark
Nils Grotnes  - Sweden
Terry Beasley, Paul Spurr and Carole Gosling  - England
Frans du Maine  - Holland

Frans Hattan (Swiss) as EC. Treasurer and Louis Vrijdag (Holland) as EC Chairman
Absent: Mr. and Mrs. Ferrier  - Scotland

During this meeting Gerrit Does was recommended to take the position of industry representative in the board. GD did not want to take this position due to possible conflict of interest (being teammanager/organizer).

Gerrit Doeshad to cancel the promotional indoor event at the MECC at Maastricht, which he was preparing for November 17-18th., right after the international indoor Moto-cross that would be organized there the week before. GD also asked for the title "Open European Championship Indoor" for this event which was denied. Motivation by the EC: There were too many titles / championships already; we will loose our credibility the EC meeting said!!!

Also the Scotland and Ireland situation was discussed. E.B.A. indicated that in the past they have supported separate different affiliations and now they feel they should have only one affiliation for the United Kingdom.

Norway asked for the possibility to have a booth in Luzern - Switzerland to promote the 1991 FIAC World Championship. Switzerland was opposed to this due to the national situation. The majority of E.C. members were not in favor either.

During the first half of this EC meeting, delegates from Czechoslovakia and Hungary were present. They applied for an I.BMX.F. affiliation. They became members of the I.BMX.F.

The total number of European countries affiliated to I.BMX.F. was then 14:
Austria, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Latvia, Norway, Scotland, Sweden and Switzerland.

May 21st. Just to give you all an idea on developments, here an evaluation on the present FIAC/I.BMX.F. situation.

In September 1989 a meeting took place in London-England. Both organizations agreed to proposals made then. Suggestions were made in February 1990 to have a next meeting in May. FIAC suggested to set a date and offered to give I.BMX.F. the opportunity to send 2 observers to the meeting of their technical group (FIAC).

The meeting of this technical group was held on May 5/6th. in Paris. Louis Vrijdag and Franz Hattan would attend this meeting. Louis was present, Franz could not make it to the meeting. It was reported that this meeting was very funny !!! The meeting was scheduled to start at 9 am at the FCC office in Paris. No one was there on time (except Louis Vrijdag). Finally 3 members of the technical committee arrived:
Mr. Abbas from France
Mrs. Lawrie Burnett from the USA and
Mr. Jean Claude Fortin from Canada

Mr. Abbas was very surprised to see LV. He did not know anything about the invitation to LV from FIAC. They had a problem as the President Mr. Rosati (Italy) and the secretary Mr. Bollen (Belgium) of the technical committee were not present. Mr. Abbas did not want LV to attend the meeting as they had internal problems to solve first. Finally LV could attend. The internal problem was that of 7 members of the committee only 3 were present at the time. Mr. Rosati and Bollen had excuses: the were ill ! Finally at 11 am Mr. Bill Backs from England came in.

The agenda for that meeting was: discussion on the scheduled World Championship in Spain. Mr. Abbasreported: Track and surrounding were very poor. Ability of officials unknown. One had to expect a difficult W.C. organization. To study the possibility to have a combination between ATB/MTB and BMX. The technical group of FIAC did feel to be on the sideline in FIAC. They would like to have their own position for BMX to make decisions without the CIVTT or abandon the CIVTT: a proposal would be made to the FIAC about this.
Comment GD:
It is a pity to find out that it took this many years (1982) when Gerrit Does introduced BMX within FIAC during the Leicester FIAC Congress in England) before anything serious happened between I.BMX.F. and FIAC.

May 26 - 27th. I.BMX.F. European Championship Superclass Ipswich - England.

More info will follow later on.

June 30th. I.BMX.F. European Championship Superclass Habay la Neuve - Belgium.

More info will follow later on.

July 13 -15th., the I.BMX.F. European Championship Littau - Switzerland.

14 countries participated. In Superclass a serie of 5 races were run of which this event was the 5th. and final round. The official results of the 1990 European Championship Superclass.

Superclass 20 inch: 
1. Bas de Bever(NL),   European Champion.
2. Eric Minozzi (F)
3. Dale Holmes (GB)
4. Rob Bulten (NL)
5. Phil Hoogendoorn (NL)
6. Nico Does (NL)
7. Claude Vuillemot (F)
8. Yannick Delporte (F)

9. Jorg de Louw (NL)
10. Arjan v.d. Groenendaal (NL)
11. Franck Chevreton (F)
12. Gerben Dorland (NL)
13. Xavier Redois (F)
14. Tom Lynch (GB)
15. Markus Rutz (CH)
16. Frederic Scalvinoni (F)
17. Vincent Claessens (CH)
18. Franck Roman (F)
19. Jean-Pierre Laurent (F)
20. Kris Wouters (B)
21. Anthony Revell (GB)
22. Uwe Sturm (D)
23. Franky Van Roy (B)
24. Patje Hooybergs (B)

Superclass 24 inch:
1. Eric Minozzi(F),         European Champion.
2. Bas de Bever (NL)
3. Dale Holmes (GB)
4. Claude Vuillemot (F)
5. Rob Bulten (NL)
6. Arjan v.d. Groenendaal (NL)
7. Neil Wood (GB)
8. Jorg de Louw (NL)

9. Gerben Dorland (NL)
10. Xavier Redois (F)
11. Frederic Sclavinoni (F)
12. Markus Rutz (CH)
13. Franck Chevreton (F)
14. Uwe Sturm (D)
15. Beat Imbach (CH)
16. Vincent Claessens (CH) 

 
July 27 - 28 - 29th.,  the 6th. FIAC BMX World Championships took place in Aranda del Duero, Madrid - Spain.

Here the final results of the FIAC BMX World Championships at Aranda del Duero / Madrid, which took place the weekend before the I.BMX.F Worlds and in which already FIAC affiliated bicycle organisations, within the I.BMX.F. were allowed to sent riders too. So that ment that several riders were able to race in two different World Championship events, not an ideal situation at all. The I.BMX.F. World Championships in France however, were considered THE BMX World Championships. Seen here some picture, courtesy of BMX PLUS Mag.

 

The FIAC racing system was different from the I.BMX.F. system. On Friday all of the motos ran. The FIAC system was totally fair, but impossible to run at I.BMX.F. events due to the high number of entries. In Spain only around 250 entries. Three motos were run, three quarter-semis, three semis and five mains !!! For outside BMX people but also inside BMX people, it was almost impossible to understand what was going on. On the other hand, if you won in Spain it was undisputed. This kind of racing took away the intensity of the mains because you could not keep track of who had what as far as points, but the end result was that the most consistent racer won. No luck here and also FIAC kind of overdid it with some of the rules. It allowed no contact whatsoever and it made protests common. From gate jumping to the slighest bit of bumping in a turn, hardly a moto went by where someone didn't protest.

 

On Saterday morning all of the quarter-mains and semis ran. After that everybody went back to their hotels and later on returned for the official opening ceremonies. There was a parade of teams, skydivers parachuted down and landed on the infield. There was traditional Spanish dancing.

On Sunday the main events took place. It all started at 9.00 hours with warming up laps and at 10.00 hours the five mains started to run.

Here the final results in the 11 Girls classes, 11 Boys classes, 3 Cruiser classes and Superclass 20 inch, 26 classes in total (I.BMX.F. holts 34 classes at this time). Results copied from a newspaper.

Superclass 20 inch:                           Girls 17 and over:             
1. Eric Minozzi             France             1. Chrystelle Lesaout  France
2. Frank Chevreton      France             2. Christy Homa         USA
4. Claude Vuillemot      France             3. Susanne Kron        GER
5. Bernard Gant           USA                      
6. Xavier Redois          France                   
7. Stefano Miglioni       Italy
8. Franck Roman         France
9. Frederic Scalvinoni  France
10.Ton Szynaka           USA
11. Billy Au                   USA

Cruiser class 15-17 years:                 Cruiser class 18-24 years:
1. Gary Debacker         USA                 1. Claude Vuillemot      F
2. Eandro Schwindt      BRA                 2. Simon Siminsen       NOR
3. Flavio Raymondo     ARG                3. Jorge Pinero             ES
4. Glenn Myklebust      NOR                4. Sebastien Nistico      ARG

Cruiser class 25 & over:
1. David F. Bernard      F
2. Michael Long           USA
3. Juan Carbo              COL
4. Carlos J. Pedrero     ES  

Boys 7 year:                                       Girls 7 year:
1. Andrés Uribe            COL                1. Virginia Glemarec     F
2. Santiago Duque       COL                2. Marie Dusart             F
3. Gonzalo Marino       ARG                3. Begona Giménez      F

Boys 8 year:                                      Girls 8 year:
1. Santiago Silva         COL                1. Nadege Parraceo      F
2. Warren Veasey       ZIM                  2. Manon Sube              F
3. Rodrigo Reuter       BRA                 3. Anna Torras               E

Boys 9 year:                                      Girls 9 year:
1. Pablo Lemarchand   ARG              1. Sabrina Jonnier          F
2. Valdës Lino              ARG               2. Anne Marie Rossi      CAN
3. Mickael Prokop        CZ                  3. Barbara Gugerel        AUT

Boys 10 year:                                    Girls 10 year:
1. Julien Hervic            F                     1. Eugenia Durf             ARG
2. Mike Pickert             USA                2. Venessa Mas            E
3. Julien Drouin           F                     3. Amelie Desrettes       F

Boys 11 year:                                    Girls 11 year:   
1. Pipo Merroke           ARG               1. Pamela Schäfer        GER
2. Frank Maillander     GER                2. Magali Muyle            F
3. Lorenzo Amaducci  I                       3. Anne Faure              F

Boys 12 year:                                    Girls 12 year:
1. Frederic King          F                      1. Ute Schaper            GER
2. Luca Ardioli             I                       2. Monica Kelly            USA
3. Damien Croce        F                      3. Melinda Harnois       F

Boys 13 year:                                    Girls 13 year:
1. Nicolas Grevet       F                       1. M. Eugenia Maronna  ARG
2. Eric Cunningham   USA                  2. Anne Caro Chausson F
3. Mauro Panzarola    I                       3. Tanja Pusemann         AUT

Boys 14 year                                      Girls 14 year
1. Rodrigo Pacheco   ARG                  1. Michelle Cairns         USA
2. Daniel Strague       AUS                  2. Aline Rode                F
3. Richard Maupas     F                       3. Sabine Caballe         F 

Boys 15 year                                      Girls 15 year
1. Ryan Scott            AUS                   1. Melanie Cline            USA
2. Timo Sobeck        GER                   2. Estelle Bigot              F
3. Renaud Trottain    F                        3. Claire Lecossois       F

Boys 16 year                                      Girls 16 year
1. Gary Debacker     USA                   1. Valerie Lassauce       F
2. Antoine Tinlot       F                         2. Christele Janssens    F
3. Percy Owens       USA                    3. Patty Rice                  USA

Boys 17 year                                      Girls 17 year
1. Claude Neau              F                   1. Chrystelle Lesaout     F
2. Christophe Leveque   F                   2. Christy Homa            USA
3. Shan Hatfield             USA              3. Susanne Kron           GER

Here a second set of result from that same event !!!!!   

Amature GIRLS:                                     Amateur Cruiser 24 inch:
7:    Nadega Parracho            FRA          1. Mark Sterious                    USA
9:    Maria Eugenia Dure        ARG          2. Frank Chevreton               FRA
11:  Pamela Schafer              GER           3. Francois David Bernard    FRA
12:  Monica Kelly                   USA
13:  Maria Eugenia Maronna   ARG
14:  Michelle Cairns               USA          
15:  Melanie Cline                  USA           
16:  Valerie Lassauce            FRA
17:  Chrystelle Lesaout          FRA

Amateur winners BOYS:
7:    Jeroma Gonzales           FRA
8:    Santiago Silva                COL
9:    Frank Parolin                  FRA
10:  Julien Hervio                   FRA  
11:  Diego Perrone                 ARG
12:  Cedric Garcia                 FRA
13:  Eric Cunningham           USA
14:  Timothy Strelecki           USA
15:  Ryan Scott                     USA
16:  Gary Debacker              USA
17:  Frederic Hetmanczyck   FRA

August 3rd - 5th., the 9th.  I.BMX.F. World Championship, Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet - France took place.

 

Lariviere organisation together with Association Le Cadre Vert International were happy to invite celebrities to attend the 9th. I.BMX.F. World Championship to be held on the famous Formula One Track "Paul Ricard in Le Castellet", situated between Marseille and Toulon. A total of 1864 entries from 24 countries world wide. Biggest Worlds ever up and till this year (1990).

 

Medal count of the 1990 I.BMX.F. World Championship:
                            Gold     Silver    Bronze    4th    5th    6th    7th    8th   Total
Australia                   9          5          4           3       4       -        2       2      29  
France                      8          9          8           9       9       9       5       9      63
U.S.A.                       7          5          6           1       1       1       2       5      32
Holland                     5          7        11         12       9       8       8       8      68
England                    2          2          3           1       2       5       5       5      25
Chili                          2          1          1           1       -        2       1       8         
Colombia                  1          -           -           1        -        -       1       -         
Switzerland               -          2          -            2       1       1       3       2       
Argentina                  -          2          -            -        1        -       1       5          
Czechoslovakia        1          -           -           -         -        -        -       1
Denmark                  -          -           1          1         -        2       -        -
Brazil                        -          -           -           2        1        -       1      
Germany                  -          -           -           1         -       3       2       1
Belgium                    -          -           -           -         2       1       2       -
Austria                      -          -           -          -         1        2       1       -
Scotland                   -          -           -          -         -         1        -       -

During the Opening ceremony at I.BMX.F. World events, always a Parade of Countries was executed. Here some pictures to give you an impression on those Parades:

 

World Championship Factory Teams results:
1.  MCS Team Europe      (Holland) - World Champion Manufacturer Teams
2.  Sunn-Chipie 1             (France)
3.  Hot Shot / Links          (England)
4.  Cycle Craft                  (USA)
5.  Vision / Free Agent      (USA)
6.  Sunn Chipie 4             (France)
7.  Sunn Chipie 2             (France)
8.  Titan Factory               (England)
9.  Poivre Blanc               (Switzerland)
10. Vans                           (USA)
11. Mc Donalds 1             (France)
12. Mc Donalds 2            (France)
13. Wulfsport                   (England)
14. Sunn Chipie 3            (France)
15. Good Times              (USA)

World Championship National Team results:
1. Australia (team number 1)
2. Chile (team number 1)
3. Holland
4. USA
5. USA
6. Australia 3
7. Australia 2
8. Chile
9. Canada

Results I.BMX.F. World Championship 1990:
 
Pro class 20 inch:                                       Superclass 20 inch:
1. Pete Loncarevich       USA                       1. Wilco Groenendaal       NED
2. Eric Minozzi               FRA                        2. Rob Bulten                    NED
3. Matt Hadan                USA                        3. Yannick Delporte           FRA
4. Xavier Redois             FRA                       4. Bas de Bever                NED
5. Eric Carter                  USA                       5. Gerben Dorland            NED
6. Claude Vuillemot        FRA                        6. B.J. Gant                      USA
7. Brent Shoup               USA                        7. Franck Chevreton         FRA
8. Richard Bartlett          USA                        8. Frédérick Scalvinoni      FRA

Super Cruiser 24 inch:                               40 & Over Cruiser: 
1. Bas de Bever            NED                        1. Everett Rosecrans      USA
2. Franck Chevreton      FRA                        2. Jackie Caugant            FRA
3. B.J. Gant                   USA                        3. Jan Willemsen              NED
4. Gerben Dorland         NED                       4. Ray Gagnon                 USA
5. Kris Wouters              BEL                        5. Floor Rikkaart               NED
6. Jorg de Louw             NED                       6. Rob Geluk                    NED
7. Nico Does                  NED                       7. Yves Levillain               FRA
8. Frederic Scalvinoni    FRA                        8. Pete Dymott                GBR

25-39 Cruiser:                                             18-24 Cruiser:
1. Michael Long             USA                       1. Daniel Rojas               CHI
2. Jose Jaquez               MEX                       2. Jurgen van Melis        NED
3. Theo Peters                NED                       3. Barry McManus          USA
4. Eric Menard                FRA                        4. Rodric Neri                 SUI
5. Frank Smets               BEL                        5. Ronnie McDonald       AUS
6. Gerard Soucaze         FRA                        6. Marc Etienne Dalga    FRA
7. Bernard Cloessens     SUI                         7. Brian Gagnon             USA
8. Americo de Matos       FRA                        8. Steffen Lehmann       GER

16-17 Cruiser:                                              14-15 Cruiser:
1. Christophe Leveque    FRA                       1. Mark Sterious             USA
2. David Milham              USA                       2. Percy Owens              USA
3. Dean Patch                 AUS                       3. Ryan Scott                  USA
4. Leon Eggens              NED                        4. Daniel Levy                NED
5. Grant White                AUS                        5. Daniel Sprague           AUS
6. Swann Delmas           FRA                        6. Patrcik Chen               NED
7. Patrick Schoeters       BEL                        7. Yannick Rosset           SUI
8. Michael Bont              SUI                         8. Darryn Hill                   AUS

13 & Under Cruiser:  
1. In Hee Lee                 USA
2. Gary Olsen                 USA
3. Dan Jensen                DEN
4. Nicolas Grevet           FRA
5. Matt Boyle                  GBR
6.Lee Bertram                GBR
7. Florent Poussin          FRA
8. Joaquim Ramolfo       CHI                                          

Experts 17:                                                   Experts 18 & over:
1. Sam Arellano             USA                         1. Christophe Leveque     FRA                       
2. Stephen Lumen         FRA                         2. David Milham                USA
3. Robbie Morales         USA                         3. Jamie Staff                    GBR
4. Steffen Lehman         GER                        4. Grant White                   AUS
5. Barry McManus         USA                         5. Richard van Zomeren   NED
6. Jurgen van Melis       NED                         6. Roy van Leur                NED
7. Daniel Rojas              CHI                          7. Dean Patch                   AUS
8. Rourent Tieche          SUI                          8. Denis Casamata           FRA

Experts 16:                                                   Experts 15:
1. Nick Lacey                GBR                         1. Darryn Hill                  AUS
2. Michael Bont             SUI                           2. Ryan Scott                 AUS
3. Jason Maxwell          AUS                          3. Daniel Levy                NED
4. Vincent Allie              FRA                         4. Thomas Foreman       AUS
5. Mickael Clerté           FRA                         5. Percy Owens              USA
6. Jan Baltzersen          DEN                         6. Timo Sobeck              GER
7. Lee Ives                    GBR                         7. Joachim Ruckgaber   GER
8. Norbert Groeger       GER                         8. Onno Sturme              NED

Experts 14:                                                   Experts 13:    
1. Timothy Strelecki      USA                         1. Jaquin Ramolfo          CHI
2. Chris Eudaley           USA                         2. Florent Poussin          FRA
3. Jean C. Tricard         FRA                          3. In Hee Lee                USA
4. Daniel Sprague         AUS                         4. Gerson Kridges         BRA
5. Nick Libratore           USA                          5. Nicolas Grevet          FRA
6. Simon Kelman          SCO                         6. Dan Jensen               DEN
7. Mark Sterious           USA                          7. Rick v.d. Waard         NED
8. Mark van Leur          NED                          8. Martijn Sietsma         NED 

Experts 12:                                                   Experts 11:
1. Chris Hyde               GBR                         1. Croce Damien            FRA
2. Cédric Garcia           FRA                          2. Graeme Brown          AUS
3. Carmine Falco          FRA                          3. Michel Wientjes         NED
4. Michael Weider         BRA                         4. Robert Solka              USA
5. Scott Beaumont        GBR                         5. Patrick Kesic             SUI
6. Damien Rousset       FRA                          6. Matias Siosa             ARG
7. Christopher Stanforth GBR                       7. Paul King                   AUS
8. Reinaldo Cortez        BRA                         8. Marrona Maximilliano ARG       

The I.BMX.F. Congresstook part on August 2nd. at the Salon Paul Ricard in the main building on the race track. Recognition of the Board, the President Mr. Ross Fisher introducing:
Bob Tedesco: Director of North American Affairs
Abe Schneider: Director of Pacific Affairs
Ruy Barbosa: Director of South American Affairs
Louis Vrijdag: Vice-President & Director of European Affairs
Franz Hattan: Treasurer
Ross Fisher: President
Vacancy:  Director of Asian Affairs
Specially for this meeting, Gerrit Does (initial founder/life member of I.BMX.F.) acted as secretary during this Congress.

Countries represented were:
Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Chile, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, France, West Germany, Holland, Latvia/USSR, Mexico, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Great Britain, USA (20 countries).

Members not present with representatives from:
Aruba, Austria, Bolivia, Equador, Finland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Panama, New Genue, Peru, Taiwan, Venezuela and Uruqua (16 countries). Two new members were excepted in 1990: Hungary and Czechoslovakia. From Belgium representatives from the B.BMX.F. (a new organization) were present and excepted.

Among other things, drug testing was discussed. Life founder member Gerrit Does requested a Life founder membership for another initial founder of the I.BMX.F., Mr. George E. Esser. Request was granted! The South African BMX organization applied again for a full I.BMX.F. membership. Due to the political situation (Apartheid) at the time a full membership was denied. Soon the situation might change due to the positive changes in South Africa going on. Report on expenditure on Special Grounds to the European Committee for promotion. A Euro committee has been formed to investigate and present a plan. Committee members appointed were: Nils Grotnes (Sweden), Gerrit Does (Holland) and David Please (England).

Also the I.BMX.F./ FIAC situation was discussed.
It was in August of 1982 that I (Gerrit Does) introduced the sport of BMX within the F.I.A.C. organization during their Congress in Leicester - England. From that time on contact has been going back and forward. I event when to Italy to talk to the FIAC committee. If you look back in the History of BMX, you will find all the details up and till 1988.

I.BMX.F. was in serious negotiations with F.I.A.C. at the time.  Even a Committee of Equal Representatives met on September 16/17th.-1989 in London, England. The proposal there was, lets have one joint World Championship, for the first time in 1992 and start from now on exchanging riders. In October 1989 an answer came from F.I.A.C. that they were o.k. with that proposal. At the I.BMX.F. B. of D. meeting in January 1990, this was discussed and the final decision of the I.BMX.F. was sent to the F.I.A.C.: A joint W.C. in 1991 was not possible at the time. The Mexico Race (W.C.) was at that moment already allocated by the I.BMX.F. to them.

F.I.A.C. did sent an invitation to the I.BMX.F. asking them to be present at a meeting on May 5-6th. Two representatives/ observers were invited. Louis Vrijdag did attend this meeting. The first and original idea presented by the I.BMX.F. in 1984 (by GD) to F.I..A.C. concerning an organization structure was now in discussion by F.I.A.C. (proposal was to have a separate BMX Division, office and so on). After the above meeting, proposals concerned had to go through all the F.I.A.C. channels. The intention was to meet a.s.a.p. but for sure, before the 1990 F.I.A.C. Worlds to be held in Spain. Up till now (August 1990) no answer or any other information has been received from F.I.A.C. End of June, Louis Vrijdag called the F.I.A.C. BMX secretary, she did not know anything about matters mentioned !!! She stated that there has been no meetings on this subject since May 1990. The only meeting held was a Technical Committee Meeting in Spain, before the F.I.A.C. World Championship.
Comment GD: All the above, just to let you know what went wrong (this is just another example) and probably why it all indeed took about 15 years to realize a simple organization form as it exists now. Within FIAC communication did not seem to be in good order then. A lot of miscommunication was going on.

Continental reports during the I.BMX.F. congress.
North American situation:
Canada: Many changes have taken place in the past 9 months. A merger of 2 BMX organizations, a track manual, a national series, newspaper, computer points program and an agreement with the Canadian Cycling Federation has been realized. It was encouraging to see the growth in organizational skills and one is working to unite Quebec with CBA. Mexico: The Mexican Government has received the papers requesting recognition of BMX. They are in the early stages of forming their National organization. USA: NBL's computer program has been changed to allow seeding by country. The program has been shared with France and Holland and with the FIAC (CIUTT BMX technical committee). The NBL is working with a marketing firm to promote the sport through Television. NBL has included the Superclass category in their 1990 National series. It has been most successful. The ABA has not responded to the NBL's request for information.

South American situation:
The past year has been a very hard period for most of the South American countries. The reasons are mainly the bad economical situation of nearly all the countries concerned and in some countries the influence of the FIAC organizations that have created a very bad atmosphere around the organizations that belong to the I.BMX.F. In Argentina, Peru and Ecuador the ten speed associations have tried to dissolve our organizations and only Argentina has been able to reorganize their riders again, after a very sad situation created during a meeting in Mendoza, where the Chilean riders were present. In this meeting, the people in charge of the organization tried to change the rules into the FIAC system. The riders from Chile and Uraquay refused to race under that system and they returned to their countries. After this affair Argentina has practically regrouped all their riders and were working in good order again. Brazil is working hard for the organization of the 1992 World Championships and the new sport authorities are supporting them fully for this event. Mr. Saito will give more details during his presentation today.

Mr. Ruy Barbosa traveled to Venezuela late May of this year and was surprised how BMX has grown in the past year. They have a very good organization and very good sponsors. They would like to be an alternative for the 1992 Worlds in case Brazil would run into problems organizing that I.BMX.F Worlds event. Developments in Chile are very positive. At this moment a large increase of novice riders as a result of a school promotional program they have developed in the past two years. Expert classes have grown in a minor scale. Peru informed us that they are depending on the ten speed organization. No further information and communications at this time.

A report came in from Mr. B.W. Reader on the New Zealand situation. As director of the NZ.BMX.A. he informed us that there were 48 clubs at this time in New Zealand and about 2041 riders (dropped from last year slightly). Only about 3 riders would participate at these I.BMX.F World Championships in France. The North Island titles were held in Taupo on Labor weekend October 20-20th. This event is New Zealand's major international event. Invited were 2 USA Pro's as well as 2 Aussie Pro's. At this meeting around 600 entries. BMX is in good heart in New Zealand at the moment. Their Nationals will be held in Auckland at Henderson Lincoln in March 30-31st., 1991. Not many riders present in France as was stated, due to the fact that many NZ riders went to Australia last year and spent lots of money. They weren't able to pay for the expensive long way to Europe. The growth area seems to be in the real young classes 5 - 12 years. Then trouble spot seems to be the 13 - 16 year old classes, whether it is puberty or the other interests or trying to find their goal in life or all of the above.

David Paton, the national secretary of the Australia BMX Association reported the following on the Australian scene. The 1989 I.BMX.F. Worlds at Brisbane had a good feedback from the riders and has been very positive in relation to the tracks both for the pre titles meeting and the actual Worlds. Since the Worlds there has been a little bit of a wind down (as with all previous Worlds, that is the experience we have now). A very successful National titles event has been conducted in Victoria during the Eater weekend. There were over 1200 entries, a little down from on the 1800 entries at the pre World National titles last year. The Association, in an attempt to become more professional in its approach, has adopted a new Constitution.

The European situation:
A growing interest in BMX was reported in eastern Europe. Communications with the eastern European countries improved a lot after the political change during the last year (Berlin wall came down ending 1989). In the meantime Latvia (one of the Baltic republics), Czechoslovakia and Hungaryhave been affiliated to the I.BMX.F.  The total number of European countries, affiliated to I.BMX.F. is now 14: Austria, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Latvia, Norway, Scotland, Sweden and Switzerland.

European Committee meetings were held on November 18, 1989 in Luzerne (Switzerland), on May 18th., 1990 in Slagharen (Holland) and on July 13, 1990 in Littau (Switzerland). At these meetings the I.BMX.F. affiliated European countries come together to discuss European BMX policy. At the 1989 Congress in Australia a budget of CHF 6.000 was allocated to the European Committee to promote European activities.
This money was ment to be used for: Issue of a booklet to present to every European international rider. Prodution of a videotape for promotion purposes. Funding of a team of international officials and referees. Due to several circumstances the issue of a booklet has not been realised. The production of a professional videotape would take a lot more money than the budget that had been allocated. This project has been cancelled for the time being. Regarding the funding of a team of international officials and referees: They groups concerned were operating already at major European events. Funding of these officials has been done untill then by the individual host country. This ment, all together, that no money from the I.BMX.F. has been used in the past year! (Also meaning nothing new happened......).

Mr. Ross Fisher (Australia) president of the I.BMX.F. was not available for re-election. Mr. Louis Vrijdag (Holland) became the newly elected president of the I.B.M.X.F. The Board of Directors proposed a Life Membership for Mr. Fisher and the Congress approved this proposal.

Early August a proposal by Chuck Robinsonwas sent to the I.BMX.F. member countries with the following text:

" Dear Member,
In conversation with leading executives in the BMX Industry in the U.S.A., it was the unanimous opinion that the I.BMX.F should be the umbrella organization for the entire sport of BMX. In my opinion the actions of FIAC to date have the appearance of those of a corporate raider attempting to take over the sport without any apparent motive except monetary. In the light of these discussions and opinions, I propose that the I.BMX.F. open their membership to all sanctions and National organizations without the restriction of only one Association per country. By taking this step we stand to gain the following benefits:

-Consistent rules world wide.
-Where there is more than one sanction per country, I.BMX.F. would act as a unifying influence.
-BMX as a sport would have greater recognition and profile under one Governing body.
-There would be more impute to Congress and more riders in the World Championships.
-Greater sharing of costs and expenses.
-Greater bargaining power when seeking endorsements.
-By requiring any additional association to be established for at least two years and to have a Certified Membership of at least 500, will have the effect of stopping splinter' groups forming.
-On a National level, open membership should not make a great deal of difference to organizations that have a strong Administration. Allowing other Associations access to the I.BMX.F., will only assist in keeping the competition at the racing level.

Yours sincerely,
Chuck Robinson

End of Proposal!

 

September 22nd-23rd. The Latvian BMX Federation Cup '90, an international event took place in Latvia, I.BMX.F. sanctioned.

October 16th. I (Gerrit Does) did sent a letter to all I.BMX.F. affiliates and others concerned (industry, press and so on) on the FIAC / I.BMX.F. situation.

Specially criticizing the fact that it took I.BMX.F. more then 8 years up till now to realize and finalize a merge with FIAC/UCI. Too much attention was given during those years on a merge and too less attention on the development and marketing of the sport of BMX. Politics were introduced!  It would take another 6 till 7 year before I.BMX.F. was integrated into the FIAC/UCI organization. Main reason for writing this letter was the fact that people not directly involved in the contacts and communication on this working together relationship, were left alone, badly informed and saw their sport desolve in a way.

As I said, communication from I.BMX.F level towards the National organizations was poor and from National organizations towards the clubs, license holders and sponsors almost zero. This all de-motivated a lot of people, who for that reason dropped out of the sport during the process.

BMX a real sport? Back then attention was asked for the marketing side of the sport of promoting BMX  as a real sport, by setting up top events, including TV exposure with professional athletes and all kinds of technical equipment to make BMX interesting and spectacular enough for "outside" BMX people.

I also suggested to reform the existing European Competition Committee into an official European BMX Federation (E.B.F.). The E.B.F. should coordinate international European BMX competition, more specific the European Championship series in Superclass. They should set up, like NBL and ABA in the USA, a European officials team to be present and running the international events (technically).

December of this year, during a special presentation, Phil Hoogendoorn Hollands most successful BMX racer ever,

was presented the highest medal of honor for his extraordinary career in BMX: "Lid van verdienste van de KNWU". Phil Hoogendoorn owned at the time 6 National titles, 1 European title and 4 World titles. Considered was also the fact that Phil had been able to train and coach younger riders Nation wide and inspire them the become real sportsmen and women.

November 1990, first issue of BMX World Magazine came out.

December 10th - 31st. Gerrit Does organized the 1st. UNIVERSITY of BMX trainingcamp in Orlando-Florida and his riders participated in the NBL Christmas Classic - Columbus, Ohio - USA.

GD introducing European top BMX riders to the USA and showing those riders the way around in the USA. In total 24 persons from 6 countries among which Bas de Bever, Dale Holmes and Christophe Leveque. For more details read the following reportwritten by Rich Bartlett for BMX PLUS:
"The Europeans had come to Orlando, Florida, to train and get used to the American-style BMX. It was December 10th. when the phone rang. It was Michelle Cairns' mom telling me of the arrival of the Europeans and their training schedule. She offered to put me up if I wanted to come down. The rest of the story will be updated later on. It sounded great so I left on December 17th., picked up my friend Steve Norton in Altanta and headed south. They couldn't have picked a better place in the U.S. to come. Orlando's track was in perfect shape, weather was in the upper 80s and sunny. It was a very pleasant week.

THE FOREIGNERS.
When I got there I didn't really know too many of the European kids. I knew that Bas de Bever and World Champion Christophe Leveque were going to be there, but that was about it. The first person I saw and met when we pulled in was Gerrit Does, the trainer/intructor of the European Team. I was really impressed with the way he ran his program. He had broken down BMX into a science but to where you can totally understand it. He taught me a ton of new methods for BMX. The Europeans' program consisted of training two sessions a day from the 17th. until 21st. with a local Orlando race on the 20th. and a free clinic open to the public on Saturday the 22nd.

The second person I met turned out to be one of the coolest kids that I have ever known in my life: his name's Paul Roberts. He's from England and he's funny. He had a ton of bike problems that lasted from the time he arrived in the States, until the day he left. He rides with Dale Holmes a Superclass rider who you will hear more about later. Paul, or "P" as we called him, got more out of this trip to the U.S. than anyone else. He did decent racing but he was more known for his announcing. He announced the Thursday local race in Orlando and had everyone in the place dying laughing. He was by far the best announcer U have ever heard in BMX. "P" also got to announce a few of the Pro motos in Columbus and was totally stoked, thanks to "Big Nard" and Linda Dorsey. From Holland came Bas de Bever, a huge guy who looks like he should play hockey rather than race BMX. He's totally cool and really a nice guy, not to mention how fast he is. Till this far Richards' report.

Groupmembers were: Andreas Höpping - Kai Lehman  - Norbert Groeger from Germany, Glen Myklebust - Thor Arne Dybdahl - Johan Fjotland from Norway, Sillard Sudock - Yannick Rosset - Patrick Gentizon from Switzerland, Bas de Bever - Nico Does - Arjan v.d. Groenendaal - Christian v.d. Groenendaal - Jorg de Louw - Stefan Disbeschl - Gerrit Does - Arnold v. Eeuwijk from Holland, Dale Holmes - Paul Roberts from England, Jens Bondeson -Neiger Einarsson from Sweden, Olivier Prosper - A. Ulrich - J. Bouley - Christophe Leveque from France.

During our stay in Orlando an unofficial meeting took place between George E. Esser, Don Hutelin, Clayton John (ABA) and Gerrit Does. We discussed a possible start of a new world-wide BMX organization called W.B.L. - World Bicycle Moto-Cross Federation.

For more info and pictures on the 1990 University of BMX Training Camp and Xmas Classic, check CONSULTING and then klick on TRAINING CAMPS. Over 40 pictures will tell you the story on this frist trip.

December 1990. KNWU license holders in Holland down from 1497 in 1989 till 1288 in 1990.

December 1990

Some historic old school stuff:

YEAR 1991.

February, the 1991 KNWU National Selection of BMX was introduced.

The KNWU, Dutch National Selection of BMX, sponsored by Metaalbedrijf Busschers- Haaksbergen, Holland presented their 1991 BMX team. Seen in de picture here are, fltr: Corine Dorland, Rob Bulten, Leon Eggens, Wilco Groenendaaland sitting Daniël Levy.

This team was co-sponsored by: Sunn Bicycles - France; Raymakers International (Premier) - Holland; Cycle Center Jos van Gent - Holland.

February 1991, team equipment arrived from the USA in Waalre-Holland for the 1991 MCS Team EUROPE.

For more details on the MCS team, names of riders and so on, go to section "OLD & NEW" on this website and select "Does factory teams".

March 5th-7th. a classic event took place, the 7th. I.BMX.F. International Indoor de TOURS - France.

1241 entries! Organized for the 7th. time. More information will be added later on.

June 7th-9th. Another classic event was the I.BMX.F. Supercross of BMX, the TJOLK - European Challenge Cup VIII- Slagharen, Holland.

Total number of entries 1234 of which 106 Superclass entries. Also 8 USA pro's were invited, they were: Gary Ellis, Charles Townsend, Kenny May, Mike King, Todd Corbit, B.J. Gant, Todd Lyons and Richard Bartlett. 20 factory teams entered in the Factory Team Trophy competition. Here 2 pictures of team USA at this E.C.C. event in front of the bus that brought them from Schiphol to Slagharen and back.

picture 1 before racing (no trophies)       -  picture 2 after racing (with some trophies)

Different figures and facts of this event:
In total 55 officials helped organize this event of which 12 registration/ Jury, in Administration 12 officials, race-officials 20 in total , 3 announcers, 1 coordinator special events, 1 official "repair corner" on the track, 2 persons in catering, 2 doctors present as well as 2 officials assisting in the first Aid. Furthermore a special team of Red Cross personal was recruited, normally active during the TT of Assen (motorcycle road-racing).

All officials had free accommodation for the weekend (cottage in the so-called officials corner on Ponypark Slagharen or on the camping site) and also received a small amount for travel expenses to come to this event. Our head-officials were paid for their help as well. During the day the officials got free drinks and food through the catering service on the track (yellow container).

Here the names of Superclass riders competing in the European Superclass 20" Championship 1991:
Wilco Groenendaal (NL), Christophe Leveque (F), Bas de Bever (NL), Rob Bulten (NL), Dale Holmes (GB), Jorg de Louw (NL), Markus Rutz (CH), Arjan v.d. Groenendaal (NL), Claude Vuillemot (F), Johnny v.d. Haterd (NL), Rodric Neri (CH), Anthony Revell (GB), Frederic Scalvinoni (F), Gerben Dorland (NL), Uwe Sturm (G), Vincent Claessens (CH), Jean Rene Garnier (F), Neal Wood (GB), James Gandin (GB), Xavier Redois (F), Christophe Boul (F), Franck Chevreton (F), Niki Gaudillere (F), Laurent Rougemont (F), Yannick Delporte (F), Laurent Tieche (CH), Oliver Fuhrmann (G), Dieter Hermannstaedler (G), Fabrice Denis (F), Timo Meeus, Thomas Falter (G), Rainer Schadowski (G), Szilard Szurdock (CH), Lothar Beinke (G), Darren O'Neill (GB), Geth Shooter (GB), Ivi Vodacovic (G), Pieter v.d. Ven (NL) and Jamie Staff (GB).

Most of the above riders participated in the 24 inch class Superclass including Fabrice Vettoretti (F), Christophe Poyet (F), Jean Marc Durviaux (F), Tom Lynch (GB), Wolfgang Meyer (G), Holger Godau (G), Olivier Haas (G), Franky VanRoy (B), Phil Charnley (GB), Arnold van Eeuwijk (NL), Bruno Pfister (G).

Results Pro/Am 20":              
1. Bas de Bever            (NL)
2. Gary Ellis                  (USA)
3. Xavier Redois           (F)
4. Todd Corbitt              (USA)
5. Dale Holmes             (GB)
6. Todd Lyons                (USA)
7. Wilco Groenendaal   (NL)
8. Kenny May                (USA)

Results Superclass Trophy 20":
1. Gary Ellis                (USA)
2. Kenny May              (USA)
3. Todd Lyons              (USA)
4. Todd Corbitt             (USA)
5. Bernard Gant           (USA)
6. Richard Bartlett        (USA)
7. Charles Townsend   (USA)
8. Christphe Leveque   (F) 

Results Superclass 20":            
1. Wilco Groenendaal  (NL)
2. Jorg de Louw           (NL)
3. Rodric Neri               (CH)
4. Rob Bulten               (NL)
5. J.M. Durviaux           (B)
6. Xavier Redois          (F)
7. Dale Holmes            (GB)
8. ?

 

Results Superclass
1. Christophe Leveque(F)
2. Bas de Bever            (NL)
3. Xavier Redois           (F)
4. Dale Holmes             (GB)
5. Anthony Revell         (GB)
6. F. Sclavioni               (F)
7. Jorg de Louw            (NL)
8. Sillard Szurdock       (CH)

This event was broadcasted by the TROS TV organization at a nation wide level. Pre publicity in 7 National TV program magazines with in total 5 ½ million readers. This event was broadcasted June 19th. 1991 and had 6 % viewers meaning almost 900.000 tv spectators. Later on the same TV show was broadcasted by another TV station called SPORTNET. An South-African TV crew also used recorded material from this event. In order to promote the upcoming World Championships in Norway, a Norwegian TV station was interested in buying this program.

 
Just to give you all an impression of the event, here some pictures at redom selected.

 

 

 

July 12th - 14th., the I.BMX.F European Championship took place at Slough - England.

In total there were 1056 entries from 16 participating countries. Final standings of the 1991 European Superclass Championship in 20" and 24" class.

Superclass 20"
1. Wilco Groenendaal - Holland
2. Christophe Leveque - France
3. Bas de Bever - Holland
4. Jorg de Louw - Holland
5. Rob Bulten - Holland
6. Dale Holmes - England
7. Markus Rutz - Switzerland
8. Claude Vuillemot - France

Superclass 24"
1. Christophe Leveque - France
2. Bas de Bever - Holland
3. Rob Bulten - Holland
4. Xavier Redois - France
5. Rodric Neri - Switzerland
6. Dale Holmes - England
7. Jorg de Louw - Holland
8. Gerben Dorland - Holland

Other champions were:
Experts 12 -  Marc de Bruin, Holland
Experts 13 -  Florent Poussin, France
Experts 14 -  Mark van Leur, Holland
Experts 15 -  Glenn Myklebust, Norway
Experts 16 -  Dylan Clayton, England
Experts 17 -  Jurgen Schelling. Austria
Experts 18+  Steffen Lehmann, Germany
Girls 16 -   Arieta Minnema, Holland
Girls 17 -   Corine Dorland, Holland
Girls 18+   Wendy Dekker, Holland
Cruiser 13 & unde   - Florent Poussin, France
Cruiser 14/15  - Danier Levy, Holland
Cruiser 16/17  - Denis Casamata, France
Cruiser 18/24  - Frank Brix, Germany

July 17th, the S.F.N. (Stichting Fietscross Promotie Nederland) and Ponypark Slagharen (both forming the ECC organization) did inform the K.N.W.U.,

the Royal Dutch Cycling Federation) about the fact that they withdraw their application to organize the 1993 I.BMX.F./ FIAC World Championship.After several meetings with the KNWU-BMX committee, the Ponypark Slagharen organizing committee came to the conclusion that the K.N.W.U. was trying to make it a financial benefit for their organization in the first place. The KNWU asked for an organization fee of H.fl. 60.000,= and that was according to the Ponypark organizing committee not very realistic in comparison with the total cost/benefits at the time to organize such an event.

Just to give you an idea:
In 1983 (the 2nd. I.BMX.F. World Championship for the first time a W.C. was helt outside the USA) the Ponypark organization represented by Gerrit Does, paid an I.BMX.F. sanction fee of US $1.000,=. The entree fees were just US $3,= per class and the KNWU (Royal Dutch cycling Federation) asked a sanctionfee of H.fl. 10.000,= at the time. Ponypark took care of National TV (they had the contacts in the AVRO organization) which resulted in a 1 hour live TV show of the main events. In 1988 the European Championship was organized at Ponypark-Slagharen. Entree-fees were then up till 17 ½ Swiss francs (about US $ 10,=) and the sanctionfee went up till H.fl. 25.000,=.

All of the above was kind of acceptable. However, at the 1993 I.BMX.F.-FIAC World Championships (so only 10 years after the 1st. Worlds in Holland) an entree fee was asked per class per rider of H.fl.65,= (about US $30,=) and a sanctionfee of H.fl. 60.000,= to be paid by the organizer to the K.N.W.U. (Royal Dutch Cycling Federation). Around 1987/1988 the BMX developments were at its top, talking number of license-holders, number of clubs and tracks. Also the interest of the media was at its high and therefore kind of easy to find sponsors. In 1993 this was not the case anymore: media interest was very low, sponsors dropped out and number of licenses were down, the total budget to organize a Worlds were very high (among others, due to FIAC/UCI rules and such). Asking a sanctionfee 2.4 times the fee of 1988 was crazy and not in relation with costs and benefits of the overall organization. It was not possible to negotiate with the K.N.W.U. BMX Committee at the time and no agreement was reached. Later on we learned that due to the BMX department internal financial problems, one needed this sanction fee to solve some problems there. Now you can understand why the decision was made not to organize the 1993 Worlds at Ponypark Slagharen.

Later on the organization was given to the Schijndel BMX club, some of you will remember the Schijndel 1993 Worlds in Holland. The results of that decision were bad for the BMC club Schijndel. The final result was that the Club in Schijndel could not pay their fees in the end and the were left with a large deficit.

July 21st. a letter from the K.N.W.U. came in about changing a part of the E.C.C. track at Slagharen.

The Royal Dutch Cycling Federation did sent a letter to the organizer of the European Challenge Cup praizing their organization for a well organized top International BMX event last month. At the same time they stated that a certain part of this new built track had to be changed. Eddy Posthuma, normaly the track referee during the ECC events, would advice the ECC organization what changes to make. Changes were made.

July 26th - 28th., the 1st. I.BMX.F./FIAC World Championship in Sandnes, Norway took place.

This was the first ever I.BMX.F/FIAC combined Worlds and the 10th  I.BMX.F.  W.C. since 1982. The event took place at the Kval track in Sandnes, were riders from 26 countries participated. They were: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Ecuador, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA and Venezuela. The total number of final entries was 994. The largest contingency was by France, 214 entries and the smallest by Peru, 2 entries.

This Worlds was one of the best, probably thé best organized event up and till that moment. In all aspects, the Norwegian organizing committee scored high. Also the general atmosphere was very positif and even today many then present, talk with respect about this event. One could call this first combined I.BMX.F. / FIAC event a great succes for sure, mainly thanks to the I.BMX.F. organizer and officials. Seen on the pictures below the "Viking Ship" BMX tack in Sandnes. The first ever track on this location was built in the early 80's around a hill where a viking ship was barried in the past, so a very special location indeed.

Results Superclass 20":                       Results Superclass 24":
1. Christophe Leveque - France            1. Bas de Bever             - Holland           
2. Bas de Bever            - Holland            2. Rob Bulten                 - Holland
3. Wilco Groenendaal   - Holland            3. Jorg de Louw             - Holland
4. Anthony Waye          - Australia          4. Narry McManus          - USA
5. Dale Holmes             - England           5. Dale Holmes               - England
6. Markus Rutz             - Switzerland      6. Rodric Neri                 - Switzerland
7. Clay Goldsmid          - USA                 7. Christophe Leveque   - France
8. Barry McManus        - USA                 8. Nicolas Gaudillere      - France

Results Girls 18 and over:
1. Corine Dorland- Holland
2. Wendy Dekker - Holland
3. Kerstin Munski - Germany
4. Christelle Lesout - France
5. Simone Mintrop - Germany
6. Bianca Tenniglo - Holland
7. Tina Madsen - Denmark
8. Anne Proud - France

RESULTS:

 

Making the headlines in Norwegean newspapers was Norwegean BMX star Thor Arne Dybdahl winning the Worldtitle in Crusier 18-24 class.

Results, courtesy of Paull McLaughlin, Wakefield, Australia, taken from his booklet BMX Racing World Championship Results 1978-2009.

 

Other famous riders competing in the Girls classes were:
Tamara Vakkers (NL), Tanja Madsen (DK) - Girls 9 y., Rianne Busschers - Girls 10 y. (NL), Ellen Bollansee - Grils 11 y. (B), Tatjana Schocher (CH) and Vikki Overson - Girls 12 y., Anne Carolie Chausson - Girls 13 y. (F), Sabine Cavalle - Grils 14 y. (F), Arieta Minnema (NL) and Cecile Fressaynet (F), Rebecca Wichman (NL) - Girls 16 y.,

In Expert classes,
Liam Batey (GB) - Exp. 6 & under,
Levi Noorlander (NL), Arjan Gijsbers (NL) - Exp. 7 y.,
Vlasdislav Khas (Tch), Thomas Luksan (Tch), Alexander Dick (GB) - Exp. 8 y.,
Rob v.d. Wildeberg (NL), Ben Overson (GB), Quentin Delescluse (F) - Exp. 9 y.,
Benoit Duployer (F), Kelvin Batey (GB), Mickael Deldycke (F), Michal Prokop (Tch) - Exp. 10 y.,
Robin Hardt(D), Richard Crowel (NL) - Exp. 11 y.
Thierry Fouilleul (F) - Exp. 12,
Scott Beaumont (GB) Chirs Hyde (GB) - Exp. 13 y.,
Florent Poussin (F), Nicolas Grevet (F), Glenn Nielsen (DK) - Exp. 14 y.,
Jean Christophe Tricard (F), Bertrand Dufour (F), Kai Lehman (D) - Exp. 15 y.,
Robert Sprokholt (NL), Yannick Rosset (CH), Thomas Allier (F), Pieter Does (NL) - Exp. 16 y.,
Dylan Clayton (GB), Daniel Herz (Austria), Norbert Groger (D), Olivier Prosper (F) - Exp. 17 y.,
Roy v. Leur (NL), Thor-Arne Dybdahl (N), Ludovic Laurent (F), Marc Wentink (NL) - Exp. 18 & over.

In Cruiser classes,
Ken Meland (N) - Cr. 13 and under,
Mark van Leur (NL), Marc van Gerwen (NL) - Cr. 14/15,
Pieter Does (NL), Jens Bondesson (Swe), Leon Eggens (NL) - Cr. 16/17,
Frank Brix (D), Martin Steensma (NL), Imko Mike Gerrits (NL), Dennis Cassamata (F), Frederic Legall (F), Andreas Hopping (D) - Cr. 18/24.

Results team championships,
National Team Championship:
1st   England - 346 points
2nd  Holland  - 319
3rd  USA       - 315

Factory Team Championship:
1st   Sunn Chipie  - France,    334 points
2nd  Wulfsport  - UK,              309 points
3rd   MCS Europe  - Holland, 287 points

The award presentation took place in a large hall in an amusement park called KONGE PARKEN, close to Sandnes. Finalists revieved a number plate and top three a cristal glass and a medal, all shown below.

1991 World Championship Medal count:

Country              Gold    Silver  Bronze
Holland                   8          8          8
France                    8          8          5
U.S.A.                    6           6          3
Australia                 2          2          1
Colombia                2          1          -
Norway                   2          -          1
England                  1          2          2
Denmark                1          1          1
Czechoslovakia     1          1          -
Argentina               1           -          1
Canada                  1           -          -
Switzerland             -          3         2
Germany                -          1          4
Venezuela              -          1          -
Austria                    -          -          2
Chili                        -          -          1
Sweden                  -          -          1
Scotland                 -          -          1

Total classes:        33       33       33

September 14th-15th., the I.BMX.F. European Club Championship - Slagharen, Holland took place.

74 Teams participated from 9 countries, that gave in total 433 entries. They were: Holland, Denmark, Belgium, England, Latvia, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Hungary and Italy. The top twelve finishers were:
1. FCC De IJsselcrossers 4 - Doetinchem, Holland 380 points.
2. FCV Wijcross 1 - Wijchen, Holland 373
3. Flying Flies - Venray, Holland 367
4. FCC Lion d'Or 1 - Valkenswaard, Holland 363
5. Soro BMX Club - Soro, Denmark 340
6. FC Unitas 1 - Assen, Holland 340
7. De Brugge Jumpers - Belgium 333
8. Hillingdon 1 - England 325
9. FCC de Vaart - Dedemsvaart, Holland 321
10. FCC De Boscrossers - Heiloo, Holland 321
11. FCC Rotterdam - Rotterdam, Holland 320
12. FCC De IJsselcrossers 3 - Doetinchem, Holland 318

December 2nd. The UNIVERSITY of BMX training camp II, Orlando and Christmas Classic - Columbus, Ohio - USA.

Total group was 34 persons of which 23 riders from Sweden, Holland, Switzerland and France. Among the riders were Nico Does, Bas de Bever, Yannick Rosset, Michel Clerté, Claude Vuillemot, Florent Poussin, Jean Christophe Tricard, Cecile Frayssinet, Sabine Caballe, Andreas Höpping,

For more details look under: CONSULTING  and then  TRAINING CAMPS around 60 pictures will tell you the story.

December 1991.  The license count in Holland with the K.N.W.U. - BMX department went down till 1065.

Year 1994.

January, the I.BMX.F. - Florida, USA

issued an updated Rulebook, since they were working together now with the UCI in Switzerland - Europe. Also a special page with the names of the original founders of which three of them have been awarded a LIFE TIME MEMBERSHIP. George E.Esser, Tadashi Inoue and Gerrit Does. They were the men who took the first initiatif to form an international BMX federation composed of representatives from world wide national BMX organisations. Gerrit Does was the first to start a discussion on this topic in 1979 at the JAG BMX Worlds.

Another change was made on the I.BMX.F logo. The original logo from 1981 was designed by George Esser's son, Brian Esser (also a former BMX racer). The rider in that logo was Pro BMX'er Greg Esser. For copy-right reasons, since I.BMX.F. was working together with the UCI now, a new "rider" in this logo was designed and placed. That's the history behind the I.BMX.F. logo. 

Year 1996.

Developments.
InBelgium a new chairman was elected, Mr. Marcel Bollansee. Marcel had a hard time getting BMX going. However, after 7 slow years in this sport in Belgium, 1997 would become the year things would change in favor. Around 100 license holders were registered at the time.

January 23rd., I received a letter (for my information) from the UCI concerning the ABA's claim of October 4th. 1995) with regards to the BMX World Cup Series (ABA claimed the proprietary rights in “BMX”).

The enclosured papers, concern correspondence between the UCI attorney, Mr. Philippe Verbiest and the American attorneys office, Gipple & Hal. Furthermore, an analysis of and report on the matter by Gipple & Hale attorneys, and also the reply by the UCI to the  ABA. As one will learn from the enclosed documents, it is very unlikely that ABA will undertake legal action against UCI with regards to using the title “UCI BMX World Cup Series”. End of story.

1998 - January 24/25th. On this date the UCI BMX Commission meeting took place in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The following decisions were made by this committee:

Team competition at future World and Continental BMX Championships.
There will be a new format of team competition, that is team results will not be deduced from individual results any more, but there will be a separate team competition. Trade teams will have the opportunity to expose their sponsor’s jersey during team competition. The BMX Technical Group will work out a new team concept. Should be presented to the BMX Committee by April 1st 1998. The new concept will be on the agenda of the 1998 BMX Convention and is to be implemented at the 1999 BMX Worlds in France.

New concept for World BMX Rankings.
In 1998 there will be World Rankings for prize money (total CHF 30.000) to be awarded after the main finals on Sunday, July 26, 1998, at the BMX Worlds in Melbourne. On January 1, 1998, all riders will start with zero points.

Year 1999.

Me telling you all about the History of BMX as I know it, ends about here. Since one year I did withdraw from BMX being active as organiser, promotor, team-manager and so on. Want to take it easy a bit, after being involved in BMX since around 1974, its time to take a rest.  From the year 2000 I will update my site from time to time, with stories and additional information, my opinion on developments, but mostly I will add pictures to the stories, hundreds of them in due time. I hope that all written down up till now, will give you a personal view of what was, were we all came from. From here on, I will write about events that I did go to or received reports from. I will also give my personal opinion on developments and such, as they occur. 

January 29th - 31st., The NBL - USA clebrates its 25th. anniversary: 1974 - 1999.

During the Annual Competition Congress, held January 29th. through 31st. 1999, the NBL - USA celebrated its 25th. anniversary: 1974 - 1999. Original founder of the NBL, my dear friend George E. Esser (R.I.P.), was inducted into the newly formed “NBL Hall of Fame”. The Congress took place at the Trump World's Fair Casino at Trump Plaza, Mississippi and the Boardwalk Atlantic City, New Jersey. Some years later his son Greg Esserwas inducted as well.

YEAR  2001.

January, EUROPEAN BMX RACING DECLINING?

TELL IT HOW IT IS!

The UCI - BMX department has at this moment 41 countries with a BMX organization affiliated world-wide. From Europe 22 countries are affiliated with BMX organizations, North and South America has 13 affiliated organizations, Africa 2 and Oceanic 3 organizations/countries.

Looking at the European scene the number of license-holders is at a very low level. France, approx. 7.000 license-holders (in 1988 around 12.000); Holland, approx. 1.000 (in 1986 almost 6.000); England, approx. 450 license-holders; Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Czech republic around 350 + license-holders.

Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, Italy, Lituania, Malta, Latvia, Poland, Slovenia from 150 till around 250 license-holders and Belarussian and Russia 200 and less riders! Exact figures are not made public, would be nice to see how the situation exactly is. My estimate is that in Europe we do have a total of ca. 12.000 license-holders.

YEAR 2003.

April 24th.-25th. European Championships rounds 1 & 2 Winterthur (CH).

The weekend of 26th. - 27th. April the first 2 rounds of the European Championships where held in Winterthur, Switzerland. Some really spectacular races on the super fast track with a new last straight added designed by home rider Roger Rinderknecht. A 90 degree turn a step-up with a dropdown afterwards of a few meter followed by a big double jump.

***    FOTO  Rob vd Wildenberg (INQU) and European Elite Champion 2002 Florent Boutte (MBK-B52)

The top of the European Elite and Junior BMX riders was present to show their best and their new rides/sponsors in Winterthur. Some familiar faces from the past returned to the European BMX scene.

Back after a few years racing in the states riders like Leive One Nordmark who didn’t get an extension to his Powerlite sponsorship showed up riding a Free Agent, Karine Chambonneau back in GT colors and Malene Madsen. Other riders went to race in America during the winter break in Europe and got some nice results. Medhi Remili (GT) has spent some time racing with several podiums and wins in A pro, Also Henrik Baltzersen was racing A pro., he joined his big brother Jan in the Supercross Team and they even did a rider’s clinic together. It all paid off because Henrik was flying in his first year in Elite. Rodger Rinderknecht (SixSixOne) recovered well from his injury. He broke his collar bone during a training session in America. But you couldn’t tell while he was making everybody chasing him throughout the motos. Ivo Lakucs was also preparing himself in the USA. He joined the Bulldog crew for several weeks and did a few races in A Pro. Winning the NBL Elite Pro Challenge put him up in the lead for the Big A Series. Michal Prokop (Author) was the did not make it to Winterthur. He is still in the USA racing in AA Pro and making mains. Things are looking good for Michal. The word is that he will come to race rounds 3 & 4 in Valkenswaard (NL) in between some of the 4X World Cups he will be contending in.