History of BMX (1996 - 1997)
Year 1996.
Developments.
In Belgium 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.
February 19th., the UCI-BMX World Cup 1 in Porlamar, Isla de Margarita - Venezuela.
After 2 pilot World Cups in 1995, the event in Porlamar was the first ever official UCI BMX World Cup event. Together with my son Pieter Does and England’s Dale Holmes, we traveled on to Caracas and with a short flight on to the Island of Margarita. Attendance for the race was not that big as the ABA had a race scheduled in the USA and the distance from Europe and Australia kept many riders away. At the time most of the riders taking part in the World Cup events had to pay for their own expenses. That would change dramaticly when BMX became an OLympic ssport in 2008. National Federations started National Teams fully sponsored. At this 1st official World Cup which was event was well organized, a press-conference was set up and Mr. Ruben Garcilaso (father of Venezuelan BMX) explained the goals of the UCI BMX World Cup.
The track was right next to the beach which made it kind of windy. Temperature was high, around 90 degrees. The track was long, flat and loose sand here and there due to no rain that lasted for a long time a couple of weeks before this date. During practice the gate broke down and we saw Eddy Posthuma driving away in a truck, with the gate at the back in order to weld it elsewhere. He managed to make it work again. Racing was o.k. and the presentation of awards was kind of special. Todd Lyons threw out stickers and posters and created a small eruption. He also was selling out a lot of stuff to the Venezuelans. TV made a registration of the whole event.
Results of this World Cup.
Elite men:
1. Dale Holmes GBR
2. Jamie Staff GBR
3. Pieter Does NED
4. Todd Lyons USA
5. Frank Brix GER
6. Jerry Badders USA
7. Jesus Romero VEN
8. Alberto Gonzales VEN
Elite women:
1. Kerstin Munski GER
2. Constanza Garcilaso VEN
3. Hilda Guevara VEN
4. Orannelis Ramos VEN
Junior Men:
1. Jacguel Gonzalez VEN
2. Danny Perez VEN
3. Eglis Gil VEN
4. Pedro Estaba VEN
5. Ramon Pena VEN
6. Sascha Meyenborg GER
7. Roberto Aranguren VEN
8. Oswaldo Natera VEN
ATB/MTB class:
1. Jamie Staff GBR
2. Dale Holmes GBR
3. Todd Lyons USA
4. Jacguel Gonzalez VEN
5. Angel Aljorna VEN
6. Alexander van der Biest VEN
7. Jesus Romero VEN
Seen here the transponders used during the above event, mounted underneath the bottum bracket. Later on smaller transponders were used to put on the axel of front wheel.
April 4th., the updated UCI Rankings, period April 1995 - April 1996, were issued.
In Pro-Elite Men 310 riders were registered, in Pro-Elite Women 84, in Junior Men 152 and Junior Women 60.
Top 16 in each class were at the time:
Pro-Elite men:
1. Jamie Staff GBR
2. Christophe Leveque France
3. Dale Holmes GBR
4. Dylan Clayton GBR
5. Wilco Groenendaal NED
6. Thomas Allier FRA
7. Rob Bulten NED
8. Danny Nelson USA
9. Dennis Wissink NED
10. John Purse USA
11. Robert Sprokholt NED
12. Pieter Does NED
13. Brian Foster USA
14. Robert de Wilde NED
15. Gary Ellis USA
16. Frank Brix GER
Pro-Elite women:
1. Karien Gubbels NED
2. Kerstin Munski GER
3. Corine Dorland NED
4. Sabine Caballe FRA
5. Natascha Massop NED
6. Sanna Ohlsson SWE
7. Karin Dieterich GER
8. Saskia Brink NED
9. Heather McKenzie USA
10. Rebecaa Wichman NED
11. Marie McGilvary USA
12. Astrid Delescluse FRA
13. Shawnda Shaughnessy USA
14. Brigitte Busschers NED
15. Jolanda Oosten NED
16. Cecile Frayssinet FRA
Junior Men:
1. Scott Beaumont GBR
2. Jacguel Gonzalez VEN
3. Joey Garcia USA
4. Carmine Falco FRA
5. Mario Soto COL
6. Kevin Royal USA
7. Mike Schaffer USA
8. Paco C. Torres COL
9. Thierry Fouilleul FRA
10. Chris Acaccia USA
11. Juan R. Galvis COL
12. Cesar Gonzalez COL
13. Joost Wichman NED
14. Andre Costa BRA
15. Sascha Meijenborg GER
16. Max. Maronna ARG
Junior Women:
1. Monica Kelly USA
2. Judith Meza CHI
3. Stephanie Anderson USA
4. Ghedy van den Aker NED
5. Susanne Beijer SWE
6. Marisela Marrero VEN
7. Tatjana Schocher SUI
8. Vikki Overson GBR
9. Pamela Schafer GER
10. Sandy Weck GER
11. Ilse Freriks NED
12. Virginia Lingham USA
13. Natalie-Vera Rohm GER
14. Pamela Carvajal CHI
15. Audrey Pichol FRA
16. Karine Chambonneau FRA
April 8 - 12th., the "Univofbmx European Team" took part in the UCI-BMX World Cup II in Orlando, Florida - USA.
Our group of 21 riders also took part in the Sarasota BMX race, The Gator National. For more details on this trip, also check section CONSULTING and Training Camps. Concerning the UCI BMX World Cup we found out that there wasn’t much interest for this event from American riders and spectators. The NBL looked like, o.k., we have to organize this event, but we better don’t. Not very motivating the get something new started, specialy when the so-called "leading country" (the NBL) let you down, in a way. Very disappointing. TV was present alright and a video registration was made. Personally I was surprised to find the “O.M.” Scot Breithaupt as interviewer present at this event. He also was involved in the production of the TV recording. The both of us had a long talk in between actions. In the early days, Scott together with Mike Buff and R.L. Osborn stayed at my house for some time.
Anyway the official UCI press release on this World Cup sounded as follows: "The second leg of the 1996 UCI BMX World Cup Series was held on April 12th. in sunny Orlando, Florida (USA). Racing on Orlando’s technical BMX track was fast and joined some of the best BMX riders from the U.S.A., Europe, South America and Australia.
In Pro-Elite Men’s race, 22 year old men’s UCI World Ranking number one and European Champion, Jamie Staff (England), appeared to be in great shape. Staff came out of the starting gate like a rocket and took the win after an impressive race. Second place was for 19 year old youngster and new BMX pro sensation, Randy Stumpfhauser (USA), who finished before his countrymen, Brian Foster and good old 29 year old Charles Townsend. World Champion Christophe Leveque (France) took fifth place, before Dutchman Wilco Groenendaal, Great Britain’s Neil Wood and Florida’s top BMX pro David Milham.
In the combined Pro-Elite/Junior Women’s race, it was Holland’s 22 year old Natascha Massop who won convincingly. USA’s Shawnda Shaughnessy finished second before France’s talented youngster, Karine Chambonneau. Women’s World Rankings number one, Karien Gubbels (Holland), had a off-day and took only fourth place before USA’s Monica Kelly and Tammy Balazs. World Rankings number two, Kerstin Munski (Germany) and American favorite Marie McGilvary crashed at the first jump.
Junior Men’s winner at the first 1996 BMX World Cup race in Venezuela, Jacguel Gonzalez (Venezuela), did it again. Gonzalez beat Franceman Carmine Falco in an impressive final sprint. Both Gonzalez and Falco can be considered as big promises for the future. USA’s Mike Brandt took third place in Junior Men’s race. The UCI BMX World Cup Series will continue with two races on the European continent. Next stop will be Peterborough, Great Britain on May 5th and Valkenswaard, Holland on July 7th.
Day results:
Junior men
1. Jamie Staff (GBR)
2. Randy Stumpfhauser (USA)
3. Brian Foster (USA)
4. Christrophe Leveque (France)
5. Charles Townsend (USA)
6. David Milham (USA)
7. Wilco Groenendaal (Holland)
8. Adam Richards (USA)
9. Neil Wood (GBR)
10. Thomas Allier (France)
Combi Elite & Junior women:
1. Natascha Massop (Holland)
2. Shawnda Shaughnessy (USA)
3. Monica Kelly (USA)
4. Karine Chambonneau (France)
5. Karien Gubbels (Holland)
6. Marie Mc.Gilvary (USA)
7. Kerstin Munski (Germany)
8. Tammy Balazs
Junior Men:
1. Jacquel Gonzalez (Venezuela)
2. Carmine Falco (France)
3. Mike Brandt (USA)
4. Joey Garcia (USA)
5. Kevin Royal (USA)
6. Frederic King (France)
7. Mario Soto (Colombia)
8. Koen van Kuringe (Holland)
April 19-21st., the 4th. Vredestein EuroCross, Doetinchem - Holland. First round European Championship Elite class.
April 27-28th., European Club Championship at Baierdorf, Austria.
May 5th., the UCI-BMX World Cup 3 at Peterborough - England.
This event took place at the Orton Park International Track of the Peterborough BMX Club. The historical town of Peterborough (England) was the venue of the third round of the 1996 UCI BMX World Cup Series. In his native country, Englishman Jamie Staff, World BMX Rankings number one, confirmed the great shape he is in. Jamie Staff, currently on the American Haro team (former Webco team member), traveled from the USA to Europe after his win in last month’s World Cup race in Orlando Florida. Subsequently, he won the first leg of the European Championship Series in Doetinchem - Holland at the end of April and took the win again in the Peterborough World Cup race last weekend, before returning to the States for a couple of months. Although Staff excelled again in the Pro-Elite Men’s race, he had to work hard for his victory.
* Article/pictures above, courtesy of RIDE BMX Magazine - GBR.
The Pro-Elite Men’s final showed some extremely close racing. Staff went into the first turn in first position, but was immediately followed by Dutchman, Wilco Groenendaal and Frenchman Thomas Allier. The exiting main final resulted in a final sprint, won by Staff before Allier, who beat Groenendaal on the finish line. Englishman Dale Holmes, followed within a split second, before Rob Bulten (Holland), Robert de Wilde (Holland), Dylan Clayton (England) and Jan Baltzersen (Denmark).
The Pro-Elite Women’s race became a victory for Germany’s Kerstin Munski The German woman, who was most unfortunate with crashes in last month’s Orlando World Cup race and Doetinchem’s European Championship race, had her personal revenge. Munski took advantage from a mistake by Orlando World Cup winner, Natascha Massop (Holland), who had the best start but crashed in the second turn. Sweden’s Sanna Ohlsson finished second before Tina Madsen, originally Danish, but living in and racing for Holland.
France’s Thierry Fouilleul finished first in Junior Men, before Carmine Falco (France) and Scott Beaumont (England). In Junior Women, Karine Chambonneau (France) won before Ilse Freriks (Holland) and Karin Laupsien (Switzerland).
After cancellation by the NBL of the Columbus, Ohio (USA) race in December next, the final race took place in Valkenswaard - Holland on July 7th.
Day results
Elite Men:
1. Jamie Staff - GBR
2. Thomas Allier - F
3. Wilco Groenendaal - NL
4. Dale Holmes - GBR
5. Rob Bulten - NL
6. Robert de Wilde - NL
7. Dylan Clayton - GBR
8. Jan Baltzersen - Den
Elite women:
1. Kerstin Munski - Ger
2. Sanna Ohlsson - Sw
3. Tina Madsen - NL
4. Karien Gubbels - NL
5. Rebecca Wichman - NL
6. Anne Praud - F
7. Bianca Tenniglo - NL
8. Natascha Massop - NL
Junior Men:
1. Thierry Fouilleul - F
2. Carmine Falco - F
3. Scott Beaumont - GBR
4. Scott Burston - GBR
5. Sascha Neyenborg - Ger
6. Martin Murray - GBR
7. Adne Orstad - N
8. Sam Stobart - GBR
Junior Women:
1. Karine Chambonneau - F
2. Ilse Freriks - NL
3. Karin Laupsien - CH
4. Ghedy v.d. Akker - NL
5. Vikki Overson - GBR
6. Susanne Beijer - Sw
7. Marlies Knill - CH
8. Tatjana Schocher - CH
Fastest lap times by:
Karien Gubbels in Elite Women with 46.746 sec.
Jamie Staff in Elite Men with 38,986 sec.
Thierry Fouilleul in Junior Me with 40,571 sec.
Karine Chambonneau in Junior Women with 47,273 sec.
May 7th. Issued by the UCI office in Switzerland, here the standings 1996 BMX World Cup Series up and till May 5th (one more round to go):
Elite Men:
1. Jamie Staff (GBR)
2. Dale Holmes (GBR)
3. Thomas Allier (FRA)
4. Wilco Groenendaal (NED)
5. Pieter Does (NED)
6. Jerry Badders (USA)
7. Randy Stumpfhauser (USA)
8. Dylan Clayton (GBR)
9. Brian Foster (USA)
10. Todd Lyons (USA)
11. Christophe Leveque (FRA)
12. Charles Townsend (USA)
13. Frank Brix (GER)
14. Rob Bulten (NED)
15. Jan Baltzersen (DEN)
16. David Milham (USA)
Elite Women:
1. Kerstin Munski (GER)
2. Natascha Massop (NED)
3. Karien Gubbels (NED)
4. Sanna Ohlsson (SWE)
5. Constance Garcilaso (VEN)
6. Shawnda Shaughnessy (USA)
7. Tina Madsen (NED)
8. Hilda Guevara (VEN)
9. Rebecca Wichman (NED)
10. Marie McGilvary (USA)
11. Tammy Balazs (USA)
12. Anne Praud (FRA)
13. Sabine Caballe (FRA)
14. Bianca Tenniglo (NED)
15. Kerri Edgworth (GBR)
16. Brigitte Busschers (NED)
Junior Men:
1. Jacguel Gonzalez (VEN)
2. Carmine Falco (FRA)
3. Sascha Meyenborg (GER)
4. Scott Beaumont (GBR)
5. Thierry Fouilleul (FRA)
6. Danny Perez (VEN)
7. Mike Brandt (USA)
8. Scott Burston (GBR)
9. Pedro Estaba (VEN)
10. Dorus Brink (NED)
11. Eglis Gil (VEN)
12. Kevin Royal (USA)
13. Martin Murray (GBR)
14. Frederic King (FRA)
15. Ramon Pena (VEN)
16. Roberto Aranguren (VEN)
Junior Women:
1. Karine Chambonneau (FRA)
2. Ilse Freriks (NED)
3. Monica Kelly (USA)
4. Sanna Ohlsson (SWE)
5. Orannelis Ramos (VEN)
6. Ghedy v.d. Aker (NED)
7. Vikki Overson (GBR)
8. Suzanne Beijer (SWE)
9. Marlies Knill (SUI)
10. Tatjana Schocher (SUI)
11. Stephanie Anderson (USA)
12. Emma Castle (GBR)
May 20th. On this day a UCI BMX World Cup Info Bulletin was issued.
As project manager of these World Cup Series, I composed this Info Bulletin. To let you know what it was all about, here the context of the bulletin.
Lausanne, May 20th 1996.
“Dear friends, with this letter I want to inform you all about the following. The 1996 UCI BMX World Cup Series has had its 3rd. round on May 5 th. last in Peterborough, Great Britain. I think it is about time to EVALUATE with you all the present situation concerning the UCI BMX World Cup Series.
First of all, I want to inform you of the fact that, at the request of the National Bicycle League - NBL (USA), the UCI BMX World Cup race scheduled for December 27th. 1996 in Columbus, Ohio (USA) has been cancelled. This is due to financial reasons. This implies that the final of the 1996 UCI BMX World Cup Series will now be held in Valkenswaard, Holland on July 7th. 1996. I will come back to the BMX World Cup race in Valkenswaard later on in this letter. For the 1996 UCI BMX World Cup standings all 4 rounds will count now. Riders must have completed maximum of 2 rounds to be included in the final standings.
EVALUATION.
For many years now, talks have been going on about improving our sport, making it a more spectator friendly sport, attractive enough to outside BMX people, givng it a professional image. Making it less complicated (only 4-6 classes instead of 30 and over) and trying to give it the image of an adult sport as well, by using the older age groups at top level, racing at international BMX events. All of this with the ultimate goal to try to get our sport into the Olympic Games in the future.
Finally, after 2 test event in 1995, in 1996 the first official UCI BMX World Cup Series has seen the light of day. The so-called “new concept” has been introduced and according to most of the riders who have participated, the new concept is O.K.! However, as the Project Manager of the UCU BMX World Cup Series and co-ordinating the worldwide organization, I ran into a number of problems. A UCI world Cup Guide has been put together and countries/organizers applying for a BMX World Cup race must meet the criteria mentioned in that BMX World Cup Guide. Meeting those criteria seems to be not easy for most organizers.
Everybody is very much racing technically oriented. When we talk show, entertainment, professional announcing, interviews etc., not many can follow up. We are too much used to running just races with as many moto’s as possible (400 moto’c etc.). It seems that a moto-count makes an event. The marketing position of BMX can be a very strong one, however it has not been developed to the full extent yet. With the introduction of the UCI BMX World Cup and the new race classes, a number of changes has taken place, which a lot of people still have to get used to. But although according to plan some adaptions might be necessary here and there, the basic concept stands.
All together it is a very complex situation, which has to do with changing rules, a change of attitude, more professional thinking especialy in the field of marketing, motivating people to support these new UCI BMX World Cup Series, trying to find sponsors, not only these related to BMX or cycling, but also other sponsors. We can only realize changes by working together and by supporting each other. In total over 40 countries are involved in BMX within UCI. It would be an upgrade of the UCI BMX World Cup Series if each country would try to send a national team to the BMX World Cup events. Therefore, my personal request to all respectable national UCI affiliated BMX organizations is, do plan and schedule participation of a 4 rider national team in the 1997 UCI BMX World Cup Series, in order to archive the above mentioned upgrade and goals. The same request goes to the manufacturers. Do plan and budget participation of a full team (4 riders) in the 1997 BMX World Cup Series, please.
If we get all of you together by sending teams, this will create a real World Cup competition level. It will show really good on TV, with the guaranteed outcome of increasing license numbers all over the world, increasing selling of products (seeing is buying), increasing interest from outside BMX sponsors, increasing respect from people out side of our sport, including the media.
End of quote of this letter to UCI BMX organizations world wide, BMX manufacturers, selected international BMX racers, organizers, UCI BMX Commission members, the press and others”.
Comments by Gerrit Does July 2002, when writing all of this down for this website:
The above mentioned letter goes on with a motivation to come to the World Cup at Valkenswaard to be held on July 6th of 1996. I will not trouble you with that info. The result of the Valkenswaard World Cup was the best of all World Cups organized up and till this very moment (July 2002). However, what I do want to state now, looking back in time and with all the experience gained during the World Cup period from 1995 through 1998 that probably the time wasn’t right to start such a NEW CONCEPT. Most organizers who did run a World Cup, organized like a normal BMX race. Not much attention for publicity, promoting and marketing a World Cup like it was mend to happen. Lack of funds was a reason. Communication was another problem. My believe is and that was prove with the event in Valkenswaard, the Project Manager should be on the sport, in advance, to help set up the organization, coach and advice the actual organizer, be present at press-meetings and so on.
Three more important items that where hard to realize due to lack of money, but essential to get this professional image:
1. The ATB/MTB/VTT class should have been in place at all events. This “no- kids” bike would have given an adult image for sure.
2. The Timing and Registration system should have been used in its original status. Now the UCI transferred the original computer program and implemented the UCI World rankings system in it. Because of this it took Jeroen Vrijdag, the UCI BMX Coordinator at present, some time after the racing was finished to get the results from the computer. Also the fact that the transponders had to be handed out and taken off the bike before and after each race, was a handicap. The new Timing and Registration system (2000) can manage 1.000 transponders meaning that within the World Cup series, each and every rider will have his personal transponder mounted on the front axle of his wheel. No more putting on and taking off the transponders at the events anymore. Due to lack of money only at the Valkenswaard World Cup the score-board was used and worked perfect. Should have been the case at all World Cup events.
3. Lack of a TV registration at some World Cup events by professional sports orientated TV producers. The way to registre an event, can be done in several ways to make it more interesting for TV viewers to watch.
June 1-2nd. International BMX race at Tabor - Czech Republic.
June 8-9th. International / European Elite Championship round 2 at Aalborg - Denmark.
For various reasons prominent BMX riders were not present at the second round of these series. The winner of the first European round and men’s World BMX Ranking number 1, Jamie Staff (England), is currently racing in the USA for his American employer, Haro Bicycles. Besides, top 10 world ranked rider and French star, Thomas Allier, broke his thumb during a training camp. Allier’s countrywoman and 1995 women’s World Champion, Sabine Caballe, suffered from a knee injury. The women’s race also lost another favorite the day before the race. Dutch rider, Karien Gubbels who just recently had to give up her first place in the women’s World BMX Ranking in favor of German woman, Kerstin Munski, crashed during training and injured her right shoulder.
Nevertheless, the competitors in both the men’s and the women’s main final were still of high quality. In the men’s final it was Dutch giant, Wilco Groenendaal who took the lead after an excellent start. English top rider, Dale Holmes, followed in second position, right before Dutchman Mark van Leur. Groenendaal stayed in the lead until the last turn of the physically very demanding, 455 meter long Aalborg track. Then Holmes attacked the Dutchman on the final straight and confirmed his reputation of a strong finisher by beating Wilco on the finish line. Van Leur finished third. With his victory in Aalborg, Dale Holmes became the new leader in the European men’s standings.
In the women’s final it was Dutch woman, Natascha Massop, who made the fastest start. However, Massop was passed in the first turn by her country-woman Rianne Busschers. A little bit further on, Massop was also attacked by the public’s favorite, Tina Madsen, originally Danish, but currently Dutch resident and riding for Holland. Busschers didn’t give up her first position any more and became the surprising winner before Madsen and Massop. The latter however took over the lead in the women’s standings from Sabine Caballe.
In total this event counted around 350 entries and 8 countries were represented.
Result Elite Men Final: Team
1. Dale Holmes - England, GT Europe
2. Wilco Groenendaal - Holland, MCS/Van Kuringe
3. Mark van Leur - Holland, Webco-Van Deijne
4. Robert de Wilde - Holland, GT Europe
5. Dennis Wissink - Holland, One Bicycles
6. Frederic Le Gall - France, GT Europe
7. Dylan Clayton - England, Sunn-Chipie
8. Rob Bulten - Holland, Buigtechniek Ned.
Result Elite Women Final: Team
1. Brigitte Busschers - Holland, Busschers
2. Tina Madsen - Holland, Van Kuringe
3. Natascha Massop - Holland, MCS/Van Kuringe
4. Astrid Delescluse - France, Sunn - Chipie
5. Jolanda Oosten - Holland. --
6. Bianca Tenniglo - Holland. --
7. Rebecca Wichman - Holland, Dak en Wand Winter
8. Kerstin Munski - Germany, Redline Europe
July 6th. International BMX Race at Valkenswaard - Holland. At this event around 600 entries.
July 7th. The UCI-BMX World Cup 4 at Valkenswaard - Holland.
I was asked to write a “foreword” in the official program which I want to repeat here:
“ Dear friends in BMX, It is with great pleasure that I accept the possibility of writing a short foreword in this program of the first official UCI BMX World Cup event of the Netherlands in Valkenswaard.
It is the last World Cup round out of four this year and it appears to be the first one to be organized according to the very first set up of the World Cup series. Unfortunately we have had to improvise a lot in the former rounds in Venezuela, America and England.
The so called “new concept” will be successful, but it will take time to grow and to be understood by all, especially by our own BMX in-crowd. The Foundation Grand Prix Valkenswaard / Lion d’Or arranged the overall organization guide of the UCI. They are unique in this sense and will be a trendsetter for sure. As I was in the position to see the progress at close quarters, I can honestly say that I have seldom seen such an enthusiastic crew of volunteers working at the realization of a new accommodation and in the same time at a full World Cup organization. From my point of view, this organization of the UCI World Cup may help us to forget the loss of the greatest BMX event in Europe until now, The EUROPEAN CHALLENGE CUP in Slagharen - Holland.
Being the project-manager of the UCI BMX World Cup Series, I feel very much strengthened by this way of working and I sincerely hope that for 1997 we will find some 3 to 4 foreign organizers working along the same lines, in order to grant the BMX World Cup the status it deserves and to give the competitors in the Junior and Elite classes the appraisal and respect they are entitled to. Lastly I want to pay my compliments to all volunteers of the organizing club. Congratulations, you all did a great job!
It is all up to the competitors now. They have to make the show and they can prove that the BMX sport is a mature sport. I wish everybody a lot of success and I am already looking forward to 1997.
Gerrit Does
Project manager UCI-BMX World Cup Series.
End of foreword
In general it can be said that this World Cup came close to perfect. Previous World Cups were around 40/50% of what the intention was that a BMX World Cup should look like. About 85/90% of what a World Cup in total should look like, came true here. Dutch National TV was present. In the evening on the same day, a brief report on the Weekly sports news on TV. A half hour broadcasting of a full report, interviews and more on July 13th. The same show was broadcasted European wide on “Eurosport” (the European ESPN equivalent) on July 17th.
A former road cyclist (lady) now working for TV, by the name of Danielle Overgaag, presented the program for TV, RTL 5. My brother in law Pierre Karsmakers (read the History of BMX 1974/76), former Dutch (3x) and USA National Champion 500 cc Moto-cross presented the awards together with Mr. Louis Verwimp, a main sponsor of the BMX club Valkenswaard and myself. As announcers Dutchman Paul Vakkers and Englishman Paul Roberts were active and gave a good show as well. Very special moment was, when the grand parents of Carlos Swinkels were placed in the spotlight. As you can read in section Old skool BMX’ers and "their after sport career", an extensive story on Carlos’ live and how he was killed in action as police-man in the USA.
The lap time and scoring system was in use. Also a special scoreboard was hired with help of the UCI, on which results and lap time was presented with in between races advertising of event sponsors. Each bike had a transponder mounted on the frame and after crossing the finish line, the result and lap time was shown on the scoreboard.
Fastest lap times of the day
Elite Men by Thomas Allier - France of the Sunn Chipie BMX team: 37.832 sec.
Elite Women by Karien Gubbels - Holland of the Mongoose Netherland Team: 45.529 sec.
Junior Men by Carmine Falco - France of the Sunn - Chipie Team: 38.761 sec.
Junior Women by Tatjana Schocher - Switzerland of GT Europe BMX Team: 46.418 sec.
Entries: in Elite Men 56 entries in total.
Day results, Elite Men
1. Thomas Allier - F
2. Jamie Staff - GBR
3. Wilco Groenendaal - NL
4. Robert Sprokholt - NL
5. Todd Lyons - USA
6. Robert de Wilde - NL
7. Dylan Clayton - GBR
8. Leiv Ove Nordmark - N
Final standings World Cup Series 1996 in Elite Men:
1. Jamie Staff - GBR, serie winner
2. Thomas Allier - F
3. Dale Holmes - GBR
4. Wilco Groenendaal - NED
5. Dylan Clayton - GBR
6. Pieter Does - NED
7. Todd Lyons - USA
8. Robert de Wilde - NED
Day results, Elite Women:
1. Kerstin Munski - GER
2. Karien Gubbels - NL
3. Jolanda Oosten - NL
4. Bianca Tenniglo - NL
5. Kerri Edgworth - GBR
6. Ann-Helen Larsen - N
7. Brigitte Busschers - NL
8. Tina Kierzek - GER
Final standings World Cup Series 1996 Elite Women:
1. Kerstin Munski - GER, serie winner
2. Karien Gubbels - NL
3. Natascha Massop - NL
4. Sanna Ohlsson - SWE
5. Rebecaa Wichman - NED
6. Bianca Tenniglo - NED
7. Kerri Edgworth - GBR
8. Tina Madsen - DEN
Day results, Junior Men:
1. Adne Orstad - N
2. Sascha Meyenborg - GER
3. Martin Murray - GBR
4. Bas Weijers - NL
5. Scott Beaumont - GBR
6. Dorus Brink - NL
7. Ken Meland - N
8. Joost Wichman - NL
Final Standings World Cup Series 1996, Junior Men
1. Sascha Meyenborg - GER, serie winner
2. Carmine Falco - F
3. Jacguel Gonzalez - Ven
4. Scott Beaumont - GBR
5. Thierry Fouilleul - FRA
6. Adne Orstad - N
7. Martin Murray - GBR
8. Dorus Brink - NED
Day results, Junior Women:
1. Tatjana Schocher - CH
2. Ilse Freriks - NL
3. Karine Chambonneau - F
4. Pamela Schafer - Ger
5. Susanne Beijer - Sw
6. Vikki Overson - GBR
7. Marlies Knill - CH
8. Karin Laupsien - CH
Final standings World Cup Series 1996, Junior Women:
1. Karine Chambonneau - F, serie winner
2. Ilse Freriks - NL
3. Tatjana Schocher - CH
4. Karin Laupsien - SUI
5. Susanne Beijer - SWE
6. Vikki Overson - GBR
7. Marlies Knill - SUI
8. Ghedy van den Aker - NED
The special ATB/MTB/VTT race result was:
1. Dale Holmes - GBR, team GT Europe
2. Carmine Falco - F, team Sunn-Chipie
3. Pieter Does - NL, team Webco-Mentos
4. Thomas Allier - F, team Sunn-Chipie
5. Scott Beaumont - GBR, team Hawk
6. Jamie Staff - GBR, team Haro - USA
7. Arnold van Eeuwijk - NL, ----
8. Chico Hooke - GBR, team Edwardes
July 12th., a tragic accident took place in California - USA: Richard Long was killed in a traffic accident.
My good friend and one of the two big bosses of GT Bicycles, Mr. Richard Long was killed in a terrible traffic accident. While riding his motorcycle to a mountain bike event in California, a motorcar crossed his path and they both collided, which killed Richard. It was during the day when I was working at my office at the "Attractiepark Slagharen" - Holland, that I recevied a telephone call from the European sales representative, Mr. John Holcomb who told me that he had a terrible message to tell. We both were very emotional about the fact Richard died because of this tragic accident. Even up till today, every year on July 12th., I do remember Richard Long, a great friend.
July 13-14th. European Challenge and Championship incl. round 3 European Elite Championship at Geneva - Switzerland.
The final 2 rounds of the 1996 European Elite Championship were held in Geneva, Switzerland. Weather conditions in the packed Geneva BMX stadium were quit hot. Before the race in Geneva, Dale Holmes (GBR) and Wilco Groenendaal (NED) were the biggest favorites for the men’s title. Unfortunately however, Groenendaal crashed heavily in Saturday’s main final and broke his ankle and splint-bone. Therefore, Holmes’ biggest threat for the title came from his countryman, Dylan Clayton, who appeared to be in great shape in Geneva. Clayton, fourth in the European standings before Geneva, won both the men’s main final on Saturday and Sunday, and scored maximum points on both days. Thus, Clayton approached Holmes very closely in the Championship but the latter managed to keep his nerves under control and secured the European title through second places on both days. For 25 years old Holmes a long term dream came true. Although he has been one of the world’s best rider for already a number of years, he never managed to win an international Championship. This year’s European title was his first one and will surely provide him with greater motivation for the World BMX Championship next month in his native country, Great Britain. Second place in the Championship went to Dylan, whilst Dutchman Mark van Leur finished third.
Leader in the women’s standings before Geneva, Natascha Massop (NED) went into last weekend’s final two rounds with a leg injury, received at the BMX World Cup final in Holland last week. Massop dropped to fourth place in the final standings, after second place in the women’s main final on Saturday and only 8th place in the semi-final on Sunday. This was an excellent opportunity for Germany’s Kerstin Munski to climb higher in the standings. Munski, only fourth placed in the Championship before Geneva, won on Saturday and finished second on Sunday. Thus , the women’s European title went to the 26 year old German woman, whilst Tina Madsen (NED) and Astrid Delecsluse (FRA) became Europe’s second and third.
Final standings European Championship 1996 in Elite Men and Elite Women:
Elite Men:
1. Dale Holmes - Champion, GBR
2. Dylan Clayton - GBR
3. Mark van Leur - NED
4. Anthony Revell - GBR
5. Robert de Wilde - NED
6. Thomas Allier - FRA
7. Wilco Groenendaal - NED
8. Robert Sprokholt - NED
9. Frederic Le Gall - FRA
10. Olivier Prosper - FRA
11. Rob Bulten - NED
12. Roy van Leur - NED
13. Jan Baltzersen - DEN
14. Frank Brix - GER
15. Leiv Ove Nordmark - NOR
16. Pieter Does - NED
Elite Women:
1. Kerstin Munski - Champion, GER
2. Tina Madsen - NED
3. Astrid Delescluse - FRA
4. Natascha Massop - NED
5. Brigitte Busschers - NED
6. Rebecca Wichman - NED
7. Jolanda Oosten - NED
8. Karien Gubbels - NED
9. Sabine Caballe - FRA
10. Bianca Tenniglo - NED
11. Karin Dieterich - GER
12. Sanna Ohlsson - SWE
13. Kerri Edworth - GBR
14. Anne Praud - FRA
15. Marielle Bogers - NED
16. Wendy v. Spierenburg - NED
At the 1996 Europeans several mistakes have been made with the team results. This has been discussed by the UCI BMX Commission meeting in Brighton and subsequently the team results have been corrected as follows:
National Teams:
European Championship:
1. Great Britain - Champion 310 pts.
2. Holland - 247 pts.
Invalid team Switzerland
European Challenge:
1. Holland 311 pts. - Challenge winner.
2. Great Britain 302 pts.
3. Latvia 299 pts.
4. Switzerland 299 pts.
5. Slovkia 279 pts.
Corporate Sponsored Teams
European Championship:
No valid teams
Invalid teams were:
GT Euro Team
MCS-Van Kuringe
Sunn Chipie team 1, 2 and 3.
Webco-Mentos
Webco-Mentos Switzerland
Although the organization was to blame, no refund was made of team entry fees, not even after protest with the UCI. Now one can understand why the interest in team racing is not that good.
European Challenge:
1. De Strijp Rozen - Champion, NED 341 pts.
2. Webco-Mentos SUI, 303
3. Balance GER, 156
August 11th. Preworld International at Peterborough - England.
story
August 12th Preworld International at Farnham, England.
story
August 16th. through 18th. The 1st. UCI - BMX World Championship at Brighton - England.
THIS WAS THE FIRST EVER OFFICIAL UCI WORLDS. I.BMX.F did merge with UCI and I.BMX.F. seized to exist. At this time the UCI did have 48 countries involved in BMX world wide. Countries divided over 6 continents e.g. Africa, Asia, Europe, North- America, Oceania and South America. Around 50.000 official racers were registered and an estimate of about 100.000 riders word wide on local level competed regularly.
The 1996 Worlds held in Brighton - England at a location called “the BMX center of excellence Sheepcote Valley, Brighton”. After a very troubled period of preparation, finally the event was there. In the mind of the responsible organizers at the time, this location should be indeed the "BMX center of excellence" for the future. The fact is that after a short while, the location doesn’t exist anymore. Pitty.
Although racing was very good, the overall organization and presentation of the event was of an off standard quality. The Elite Men did have 175 entries.
Result in the several World Championship classes as follow
Junior Women:
1. Alesha Pollard USA Champion
2. Tatjana Schocher SUI
3. Sheila Songquan USA
4. Ilse Freriks NED
5. Karine Chambonneau FRA
6. Judith Meza CHI
7. Pamela Schafer GER
8. Ghedy v.d. Aker NED
Junior Men:
1. Carmine Falco FRA Champion
2. Jason Whitted USA
3. Thierry Fouilleul FRA
4. Martin Murray GBR
5. Bas Weijers NED
6. Sascha Meyenborg GER
7. Scott Burston GBR
8. Kevin Royal USA
Elite Women:
1. Natarsha Williams AUS Champion
2. Natasha Massop NED
3. Kerstin Munski GER
4. Karien Gubbels NED
5. Melanie Cline USA
6. Sabine Caballe FRA
7. Corine Dorland NED
8. Marie McGilvary USA
Elite Men:
1. Dale Holmes GBR Champion
2. Randy Stumpfhauser USA
3. Florent Bout FRA
4. Brian Foster USA
5. Robert de Wilde NED
6. Robert Sprokholt NED
7. Denis Labigang FRA
8. Dylan Clayton GBR
19 and over Elite Cruiser:
1. Jamie Staff GBR Champion
2. Jason Richardson USA
3. Florent Boutte FRA
4. Randy Stumpfhauser USA
5. Ted Turesson AUS
6. Dennis Wissink NED
7. D. Maltezos USA
8. Dennis Labigang FRA
The World Championship Manufacturer Teams was won by Team GT - II, managed by Gerrit Does. Although it concerned a late entry of a second GT team, composed and coached by Gerrit Does, this team did win the first ever UCI factory world title (In 1994 the GT Euro Team won the I.BMX.F./FIAC manufacturer World title).
Medal count World Championship titles (5 titles in total):
Country Gold Silver Bronze
1. Australia 2 - -
2. England 2 - -
3. France 1 - 3
4. USA - 3 1
5. Holland - 1 -
6. Switzerland - 1 -
7. Germany - - 1
Total: 5 5 5
Medal count World Challenge titles (29 titles in total):
Country Gold Silver Bronze
1. France 7 8 6
2. USA 7 2 1
3. Argentina 5 3 1
4. Holland 2 3 2
5. Canada 2 - -
6. England 1 3 6
7. Czech Republic 1 2 2
8. Germany 1 1 1
9. Latvia 1 1 -
10. Slovakia 1 - 2
11. Bolivia 1 - 1
12. Australia - 3 1
13. Switzerland - 2 -
14. Italy - 1 -
15. Colombia - - 4
16. Lithuania - - 1
17. Belgium - - 1
18. Sweden - - 1
Total: 29 29 29
August 27th., the UCI issued the updated World BMX Rankings. The standings after the Worlds are as follows:
Men's Ranking:
1. (1) Jamie Staff - GBR
2. (2) Dale Holmes - GBR
3. (3) Dylan Clayton - GBR
4. (7) Brian Foster - USA
5. (8) Robert de Wilde - NED
6. (5) Wilco Groenendaal - NED
7. (10) Randy Stumpfhauser - USA
8. (4) Christophe Leveque - FRA
9. (6) Thomas Allier - FRA
10. (18) Robert Sprokholt - NED
11. (17) Carmine Falco - FRA
12. (16) Sascha Meyenborg - GER
13. (9) John Purse - USA
14. (15) Todd Lyons - USA
15. (12) Rob Bulten - NED
16. (19) Thierry Fouilleul - FRA
17. (25) Pieter Does - NED
18. (11) Scott Beaumont - GBR
19. (21) Anthony Revell - GBR
20. (20) Frank Brix - GER
Women's ranking:
1. (1) Kerstin Munski - GER
2.(2) Karien Gubbels - NED
3. (3) Natacha Massop - NED
4. (4) Marie McGilvary - USA
5. (5) Sanna Ohlsson - SWE
6. (7) Jolanda Oosten - NED
7. (25) Melanie Cline - USA
8. (13) Bianca Tenniglo - NED
9. (9) Rebecca Wichman - NED
10. (14) Brigitte Busschers - NED
11. (6) Monica Kelly - USA
12. (16) Kerri Edgworth - GBR
13. (23) Tatjana Schocher - SUI
14.(10) Tina Madsen - NED
15. (20) Ilse Freriks - NED
16. (15) Karine Chambonneau - FRA
17. (12) Sabine Caballe - FRA
18. (11) S. Shaughnessy - USA
19. (8) Astrid Delescluse - FRA
20. (24) Anne Praud - FRA
Top twenty in the Elite men and women’s classes.
August 31/September 1st. International Mentos Trophy at Blumenstein - Switzerland, organized for the 6th time.
November 2-3rd. The Extremadura Riders Cup - Badajoz - Spain took place.
December 15 - 31st., the 5th. UNIVERSITY of BMX training camp at Orlando and Daytona Beach-Florida/USA.
After the training camp we all left for great competition at the NBL Christmas Classic event in Columbus-Ohio. For more info, go to; CONSULTING and then click on TRAINING CAMPS.
December, developments in BMX.
In this year the UCI had the following number of countries involved in BMX. BMX activities on 6 continents in at least the following countries:
Africa, Asia, North America, Oceania,
Angola India Canada Australia
Kenya Japan Mexico New Zealand
Libya Philippines USA
South-Africa South-Korea
Zimbabwe
Europe, South America (including Caribbean)
Austria Argentina
Belgium Aruba
Czechoslovakia Barbados
Denmark Bolivia
England Brazil
Finland Chile
France Colombia
Germany Curacao
Holland Ecuador
Hungary Peru
Latvia Puerto Rico
Lithuania Uruquay
Malta Venezuela
Norway
Russia
Scotland
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Numbers of countries per continent:
Africa : 5
Asia : 4
Europe : 21
North America : 3
Oceania : 2
South America : 13
Total : 48 countries involved.
Possibly more countries could be listed, however, only those countries have been included of which prove is there, that a governing body for BMX is in existence, affiliated to I.BMX.F and/or to UCI-FIAC or when prove is there that BMX is practiced (based on correspondence with those respective countries).
Note GD: countries are missing indeed of which has been proved more then 10 years ago, that there was BMX organized. Countries like Indonesia, Finland, China and further more Hong Kong, Machao, Singapore.
I.BMX.F. / UCI inventory of organizations affiliated, number of riders and tracks per country 1996:
country organization number of riders clubs tracks
Arg. Federacion Argentina de Bicicross
Federacion Ciclista Argentiana 1.870 18 22
Aru. Aruba Wieler Bond 100 5 4
Aus. BMX Australia 5.068 147 145
Aut. Osterreichischer Radsport-Verb. 95 10 8
Bel. Belgian BMX Federation
Kon. Belgische Wielrijdersbond 150 4 3
Blr. Belarussian Federation of Motorcycle
and BMX Sport 346 16 4
Bol. Federacion Boliviana de Bicicross 300 24 9
Bra. Confederaqau Brasileira de Bicicr. 1.345 72 55
Can. Canadian BMX Association 1.290 33 33
Chi. Federacion Chilena de Bicicross 1.320 21 12
Col. Federacion Colombiana de Ciclismo 1.813 52 19
Crc. Federacion Costarricense de Ciclismo 300 50 6
Cur. Federashon di BMX di Korsou 112 - -
Cze. Cesky Svaz Cyklistiky 1.098 80 35
Den. Danmarks Motor Union 290 25 25
Ecu. Fed. Ecuatoriana de Ciclisma 202 8 5
Eng. English BMX Association 1.000 35 50
Esp. Real Fed. Espanola de Ciclismo 450 30 17
Fra. Fed. Francaise de Cyclisme 6.242 279 250
Gbr. British Cycling Federation 499 30 30
Ger. Bund Deutscher Radfahrer e.V. 450 25 20
Hun. Hungarian BMX Cross Federation 59 6 6
Ita. Federazione Ciclistica Italiana 150 10 10
Jpn. Japan BMX Federation 250 14 7
Lat. Latvian BMX Federation 214 17 12
Ltu. Lietuvos BMX Federacija 96 4 2
Mex. Bicicross Mexico Asociacion Nacional 450 18 10
Mlt. Malta Association Malta 90 1 1
Mor. Bike Club “Cross” 270 23 9
Ned. Kon. Nederlandsche Wielren Unie 1.140 38 38
Nor. Norges Cykleforbund 120 11 6
Nzl. New Zealand BMX Association 940 31 31
Por. Federacao Portuguesa de Ciclismo 80 7 5
Rsa. National BMX Ass. of South Africa 263 8 8
Slo. Slovenian Cycling Federation 60 2 2
Sui. Schweizerischer Rad-und Motorf. Bund 250 17 15
Svk. Slovenska Asociacia BMX 154 19 13
Swe. Svenska Cykelforbundet 152 10 8
USA USA Cycling 18.000 130 130
Ven. Federacion Venezolana de Ciclismo 1.150 85 14
Zim. National BMX Ass. of Zimbabwe 76 3 3
Total: 43 48.304 1.418 1082
YEAR 1997.
January of this year the UCI released a publication concerning guidelines organizing a World Championship.
“The four year plan to host a World BMX Championship” included a contract and the allocation criteria as well as the host country’s responsibilities. Also the UCI BMX rulebook was updated.
January 2nd., standings UCI Men's Ranking:
1. Dale Holmes - B
2. Jamie Staff - GB
3. Dylan Clayton - GB
4. Robert de Wilde - Ned
5. Wilco Groenendaal - Ned
6. Thomas Allier - F
7. Robert Sprokholt - Ned
8. Carmine Falco - F
9. Randy Stumpfhauser - USA
10. Brian Foster - USA
11. Sasha Meyenborg - Ger
12. Pieter Does - Ned
13. Thierry Fouilleul - F
14. Frederic Le Gall - F
15. Martin Murray - GB
16. Anthony Revell - GB
17. Mark van Leur - Ned
18. Bas Weijers - Ned
In total 150 riders on this ranking.
Women's Ranking:
1. Kerstin Munski - Ger
2. Karien Gubbels - Ned
3. Natasha Massop - Ned
4. Bianca Tenniglo - Ned
5. Rebecca Wichman - Ned
6. Sanna Ohlson - Sw
7. Brigitte Busschers - Ned
8. Jolanda Oosten - Ned
9. Tina Madsen - DK
10. Kerri Edgworth - GB
11. Karine Chambonneau - F
12. Tatjana Schocher - CH
13. Astrid Delescluse - F
14. Ilse Freriks - Ned
15. Sabine Caballe - F
16. Marie McGilvary - USA
17. Anne ........... - F
18. Natarsha Williams - Aus
In total 112 riders on this ranking list.
January 25th. The Pacific Oceanic BMX Championship / Challenge, in combination with the UCI BMX World Cup in Geelong, Victoria - Australia.
Participating countries concerning the Pacific Oceanic event were: Australia, England, Germany, Holland and New Zealand. Number of entries 272 of which 89 in the Championship section and 183 in the Challenge section.Pacific Oceanic BMX Championship end results:
Elite Men:
1. Jesse Carlsson AUS
2. Dale Holmes GBR
3. Daniel Sprague AUS
Elite Women:
1. Natarsha Williams AUS
2. Leonie Watson AUS
3. Megan Bryant AUS
Junior Men:
?
Junior Women:
1. Alesha Pollard AUS
2. Rachael Marshall AUS
3. Tracey Vince AUS
Elite Cruiser:
1. Daniel Galea AUS
2. David Cleary AUS
3. Shane Jenkins AUS
Junior Cruiser:
1. Robert Slatter AUS
2. Brett Tyack AUS
3. Brian Murray AUS
The second day of racing January 26th: UCI-BMX World Cup, Geelong - Victoria, Australia.
There wasn’t much confidence on my part, concerning the professional way of organizing of this event by the Australian BMX organization. Therefore the UCI did put the World Cup events on a low level position.No assurance of a quality event and therefore I decided NOT to go to Australia in my position as Project-manager of the UCI World Cup series. Later on I received reports from the riders that competed there, that this event was not World Cup worthy. Local events in France were much better organized on real BMX tracks. Doing it this way, is not how to get BMX the image of a professional sport. The track was easy, very fast, about 320 meters long, very-very windy. Just 1 grandstand which could holt 40 people ! No transponders, no seeding of moto’s which brought Dale Holmes and Jamie Staff together in the moto’s.
Participating countries were: Great Britain, Germany, Holland, New-Zealand and Australia, 5 countries in total. Also the number of entries were very disappointing: 41 in Elite Men, 8 in Elite Women, 21 in Junior Men and 5 in Junior Women class. Australia let us all down, I am sorry to say. The final results were as follows:
In Elite men the competition was mainly between Jamie Staff and Dale Holmes. In Elite women Natarsha Williams did not have any real competition.
Elite Men:
1. Jamie Staff GBR
2. Dale Holmes GBR
3. Kamahl Lord AUS
4. Peter Trenwith AUS
5. Tony Harvey AUS
6. Travis Turesson AUS
7. Darren Hawkins AUS
8. Jesse Carlsson AUS
Elite Women:
1. Natarsha Williams AUS
2. Heidi Kempshall AUS
3. Karien Gubbels NED
4. Kerstin Munski GER
5. Christine Jorgen AUS
6. Leonie Watson AUS
7. Megan Bryant AUS
February 8/9th., the regular two day UCI BMX Commission Meeting took place in Las Vegas, Nevada - USA.
The main item during this meeting was a 4 Year Plan for BMX. Within UCI, every discipline is to produce a 4 Year Plan in order to point out to the UCI Management Committee what one wants to achieve in the next couple of years. As a result of this the UCI Management Committee will get a clear view of the financial implications with regard to the objectives to be realized. Meanwhile, after two draft versions, the BMX Commission has produced a concept 4 Year Plan, that will be presented during the next UCI Management Committee meeting early July. The other day this concept 4 Year Plan was enclosed with the agenda of the 1997 UCI BMX Convention and sent out to all UCI-BMX federations and BMX Commission members.
Remark GD: I wonder how many people in BMX reading this, know about this 4 Year Plan. Communication within National federations isn’t all that good towards their members/license holders, is it ? These ideas should be supported by the majority of BMX people involved (among others organizers and sponsors!!). Many did not know about this concept.........
Anyway, the following months there will be some brainstorming between all co-ordinators at the UCI office, eventually resulting in 4 Year Plans for each discipline that fit in a streamlined overall plan. Consequently, the concept 4 Year Plan for BMX will be adapted and fitted in the overall plan, including possible remarks coming back from the UCI Management Committee after its July 1997 meeting and from the BMX Convention meeting in Canada in the same month. The final version of the 4 Year Plan will be presented to the UCI Management Committee during its meeting in October 1997 at the 1997 World Road Cycling Championship in Spain.
Some key objectives included in the concept 4 Year Plan for BMX are:
- Inclusion of BMX in the Olympic Games;
- Inclusion of BMX in the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Pan-American Games etc.
- Having the World BMX Championship and World BMX Challenge as separate events on different dates and at different venues, thus presenting the World Championship as the televised showcase top event for BMX, while also full attention can be given to the younger classes at their own separate World Challenge event.
- Having BMX televised in a good and professional way on a worldwide scale.
- A significant increase of the number of worldwide BMX licensees, tracks and clubs.
- Development of a fully fledged international BMX race program on all continents.
- Co-operation with other cycling disciplines by means of organizing combined events, in particular with mountainbiking and track racing.
Remarks GD: several of the key objectives have been mentioned many times before even in the “History of BMX” section of the univofbmx.com The objectives are very progressive and very interesting. Whether they will be realized in due time depends on the will of UCI to invest in BMX and have the “right man on the right job” Lets check in 4 years time what has been realized o.k.! See the year 2002 for an evaluation.
March 1/2nd. For the 13th. time the important national Indoor of Tours - France took place.
Only a limited number of foreign riders were allowed to compete according to UCI rules. The event was again a great success.
March 24th. During 1997 it was officially announced, that DOWNHILL would not be an Olympic discipline during the Sydney - Australia Olympics in 2000.
A UCI official explained why: “The UCI has a working co-operative with the International Olympic Committee, which is to maximize the number of medals without increasing the number of athletes. We should remember that cross - country was introduced to the ’96 Olympic in replacement of another cycling event. This didn’t increase the number of athletes at the games. At the Sydney Olympics in 2000, cycling will have four extra track events, but within the existing athlete quota. The sport of downhill ATB/MTB is still growing within the UCI framework, though, but I cannot make any predictions about the sports Olympic future. What I do point to, however is that starting in 1998, the sixteen mountain bike world Cup races each year will be split evenly between downhill and cross country, each getting eight rounds. This reflects the growth of the discipline and the fact that the UCI sees cross country and downhill as equally important” end of quote.
My conclusion at the time reading the above: as I predicted earlier, BMX in the Olympics?...... sorry to say, but knowing the criteria and the politics, I am doubting that very much.
April 19/20th., the UCI-BMX Technical Group had its first meeting.
This Technical Group was established during the above mentioned BMX Committee meeting (February 1997-Las Vegas). The mandate of this Technical Group is the further develope the BMX Rule Book and the handling of all other technical matters. Besides, the Technical Group will take care of track and venue inspections in the future, possibly making use of specially appointed persons to assist and advice them. All matters taken care of by the Technical Group are subject to approval by the BMX Committee. The following persons were appointed by the BMX Commission for the Technical Group:
Mr. Arvid Meland - Norway (chairman and liaison with the BMX Commission)
Mrs. Erma Miller - USA (member)
Mr. Richard Silbert - Australia (member)
May 3/4th. International BMX race in Klatovy - Czech Republic.
For me and the team it was the first time ever I went to the Czech Republic. At this event the total number of entries was 465, excluded Elite Men and Elite women. Reason why the Elite classes weren’t included? During the Sunday race the starting gate broke down and was not repairable. After rider protests and long discussions it was decided to cancel this race as round 1 of the 1997 European Elite Championship. The race was moved to Yverdon in Switzerland to be held on June 7th 1997. It was a shame that this many people had to come all the way just for nothing. The organizers tried there best, but did not have the possibility and means to get well organized in time. As santioning body, the UCI can be helt reponsable for all of this.
In the junior classes the results were as follows:
Junior Men:
1. Michal Polansky CZE
2. Lukas Tamme CZE
3. Lukas Panka CZE
4. Mirislav Jirka CZE
5. Stepan Herink CZE
6. Ivo Lakucs LAT
7. Wesley v. Gastel BEL
8. Radomir Huf CZE
Junior Women:
1. Ellen Bollansee BEL
2. Damar Polakova SVK
3. Zuzana Vinczeova SVK
4. Tatjana Schocher SUI
5. Alexandra Cornelius GER
6. Rianne Busschers NED
7. Ilse Freriks NED
8. Caroline de Bruijn NED
May 10/11th. European BMX Club Championship in Schijndel - Holland.
Participating countries: 10, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Holland, Russia, Switzerland, Slovak Republic. In total 63 teams did enter, 3 teams from Austria, 4 from Belgium, 5 from Czech Republic, 1 from Denmark, 1 from Germany, 1 from Hungary, 40 from Holland, 5 from Russia, 2 from Switzerland and 1 from Slovakia.
Results of this event (top 15 teams):
Club Residence Country Points
1. DVO Haaksbergen Haaksbergen Holland 147
2. FCC Lichtenvoorde Lichtenvoorde Holland 128
3. FCC Lion d’Or 1 Valkenswaard Holland 126
4. FCV D’n Urste 1 Schijndel Holland 123
5. FCV Oss 3 Oss Holland 121
6. KWC Kampen Interbl. Kampen Holland 120
7. FC Unitas 1 Assen Holland 118
8. FCC Wheels Veghel Holland 113
9. Slovakia Iuventa Bratislava SVK 112
FCC De IJsselcrossers 1 Doetinchem Holland 110
UWTC 1 Uithoorn Holland 109
FCC De Boscrossers Heiloo Holland 103
FCC De Bissinghcrossers Ommen Holland 94
FCC De IJsselcrossers 2 Doetinchem Holland 87
Praha-Repy A Prague CZE 87
May 24th., as Project Manager BMX World Cup events I was invited to be present at the European BMX Committee meeting held in the beautiful city of Prague, Czech Republic.
The hospitality was excellent. The meeting was attended, among others, by 19 delegates from 11 different countries.The main item during the meeting was the establishment of a working committee for the European international calendar, in particular the European Elite Championship Series. In the past the allocation of races for the European Elite Championship Series were voted on by the country delegates during the European Committee meeting, but in the future the European racing calendar will be developed by the newly established working committee, beginning from the 1998 racing calendar. The working committee will always report back to Mr. Arvid Meland, the chairman of the European Committee.
The idea behind the above concept is to use a fixed group of organizers and tracks for the European Elite Championship Series, that have already proven to be a guarantee for a certain level of quality. This group will be used in the next couple of years. Thus, this fixed group of organizers will get the opportunity to invest in their events and tracks for the future. Other organizers will get the opportunity to prove themselves through regular international races, in order to possibly be included in the European Elite Championship Series in the future. Organizers that do not meet a certain level any more, will be replaced by new organizers.
Remarks GD: These principals and ideas were the same I promoted for a long time (came from MX Grand Prix and F-1 racing). However during time (up and till 2002) these principals were left for one or the other reason (money?) by the EUC and in my opinion did not and will not help make BMX stronger at an international level. BMX needs classic events as in road cycling. Organizers also dropped out because of the high cost of organizing a round for the Elite European Championship Series.
The following persons were appointed to be on the above mentioned working committee:
Mr. Albert Knill - Switzerland
Mr. Rene Nicolas - France
Mrs. Gisela Bidlingmaier - Germany
Mr. Kor van der Molen - Holland
During my spare time my friends from Prague, the “Hnidak family” showed me around in there beautiful city.
*** foto's Hnidak
June 7/8th. Round 1 and 2 of the 1997 European Elite Championship Series and International event in Yverdon - Switzerland.Total number of entries: 469
Spectators approx. 1000
Elite Men (Round 1):
1. Dale Holmes GBR
2. Robert de Wilde NED
3. Thomas Allier FRA
4. Leiv Ove Nordmark NOR
5. Robert Sprokholt NED
6. Pieter Does NED
7. Florent Bout FRA
8. Roy van Leur NED
Elite Men (Round 2):
1. Dale Holmes GBR
2. Sebastien Paradis FRA
3. Roy van Leur NED
4. Jerome Mollier FRA
5. Urs Kropf SUI
6. Tarek Rasouli GER
7. Wilco Groenendaal NED
8. Leiv Ove Nordmark NOR
Elite Women (Round 1):
1. Natasha Massop NED
2. Karien Gubbels NED
3. Kerstin Munski GER
4. Brigitte Busschers NED
5. Kerri Edgworth GBR
6. Anne Praud FRA
7. Rebecca Wichman NED
8. Jolanda Oosten NED
Elite Women (Round 2):
1. Brigitte Busschers NED
2. Karien Gubbels FRA
3. Kerstin Munski GER
4. Jolanda Oosten NED
5. Astrid Delescluse FRA
6. Natasha Massop NED
7. Bianca Tenniglo NED
8. Sanna Ohlsson SWE
Junior Men:
1. Scott Burston GBR
2. Miroslav Jirka CZE
3. Bas Weijers NED
4. Mart Widmer SUI
5. Lukas Tamme CZE
6. Thierry Fouilleul FRA
7. Sven Nef SUI
8. Dorus Brink NED
Junior Women:
1. Alexandra Cornelius GER
2. Ellen Bollanssee BEL
3. Tatjana Schocher SUI
4. Pamela Schafer GER
5. Rianne Busschers NED
6. Ilse Freriks NED
7. Vikke L. Overson GBR
8. Camille Kroug SUI
June 14th., a pre-race was scheduled at Valkenswaard - Holland, the day before the UCI - BMX World Cup.
The event was called “Grand Prix BMX Valkenswaard”. The well prepared and professional organized event had a good response by the riders present. As a warming-up for the scheduled World Cup on Sunday June 15th, an international BMX event took place. In total 348 entries.
Winners in the top 4 classes were:
Elite Men: Thomas Allier - France
Elite Women: Karien Gubbels - Holland
Junior Men: Scott Burston - England
Junior Women: Vikke L Overson - England
June 15th., the UCI-BMX World Cup, Valkenswaard - Holland took place.
As Project manager of the UCI-BMX World Cup it was in my favor living very close to Valkenswaard and knowing the people of BMX Club Lion d’Or very well. There was a very good communication and I was able to coach and motivate the organizers with whom I had a weekly contact. This all resulted finally in probably the best organized World Cup event of all up till now. Anyway, that is what all the participants said who competed at all the events.
Participating countries were:
Aruba, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Curacao, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Germany, Latvia, Holland, Norway, Portugal, Switzerland and Sweden, so in total 16 countries.
Number of entries: 57 in Elite Men, 15 in Elite Women, 39 in Junior Men and 8 in Junior Women. This was again kind of low! Among the entries the World Champions in Elite Men and Elite Women class, Dale Holmes (GBR) and Natarsha Williams (AUS). Spectators: Due to a well organized Press Conference about 2 weeks before the meeting would take place, a lot of pre-publicity in the newspapers which resulted in a more then satisfying number of spectators (2000).
Special guest at the Press Conference was, several times cyclo-cross World Champion and former top BMX star, Belgium’s SVEN NIJS. TV registration by the National Duch sports channel called “ Studio Sport”. An about 8 minutes report was shown on tv on Sunday evening.
*** foto Sven Nijs
Results:
Elite Men:
1. Thomas Allier FRA
2. Dale Holmes GBR
3. Roy van Leur NED
4. Robert de Wilde NED
5. Robert Sprokholt NED
6. Dylan Clayton GBR
7. Leiv Ove Nordmark NOR
8. Sebastien Paradis FRA
Elite Women:
1. Karien Gubbels NED
2. Rebecca Wichman NED
3. Bianca Tenniglo NED
4. Brigitte Brusschers NED
5. Sanna Ohlsson SWE
6. Natarsha Williams AUS
7. Kerstin Munski GER
8. Natasha Massop NED
Junior Men:
1. Lukas Tamme CZE
2. Thierry Fouilleul FRA
3. Dorus Brink NED
4. Scott Burston GBR
5. Ivo Lakucs LAT
6. Lukas Panka CZE
7. Thomas Pallesen DEN
8. Stephen Murray GBR
Junior Women:
1. Tatjana Schocher SUI
2. Rianne Busschers NED
3. Ilse Freriks NED
4. Vikki L. Overson GBR
5. Judith Beentjes NED
6. Ellen Bollanssee BEL
7. Alexandra Cornelius GER
8. Pamela Schafer GER
After the races drug tests were done. These tests concerned the winner and one rider at random in each of the following classes: Elite Men, Elite Women, Junior Men and Junior Women. All tests were negative.
The World Cup price money schedule for this event was as follows:
Elite Men 5.600 Swiss francs (to be divided among the top 16 riders)
Junior Men 2.250 Swiss francs (top 16 riders)
Elite Women 1.900 Swiss francs (top 8 riders)
Junior Women 750 Swiss francs (top 8 riders)
During the presentation of awards, former 3x Dutch National moto-cross Champ and American moto-cross Champ Pierre Karsmakers handed out the trophies. As you were able to read in the History of BMX, Pierre also was the first to import BMX materials in Holland from the USA in 1976.
June 21/22nd., an International BMX event took place during this weekend in the city of Valmiere - Latvia, the home of Latvian BMX.
Total number of entries were 163. Due to a lack of participants in Elite Women and Junior Women, these classes were not run in Valmiera.
The results in Elite Men:
1. Ivo Lakucs
2. Uldis Sangovics
3. Alvis Lanso
4. Mareks Grapens
5. Ivars Grantins
6. Trygve Edvardsen Nor
7. Artis Ozols
8. Gundars Osis
All Latvian riders and one from Norway.
Junior Men:
1. Janis Vanags
2. Aivars Buris
3. Gints Zadraks
4. Viktors Veide
5. Edgars Birovs
6. Andris Reders
7. Deivydas Abromaitis LTU
8. Airidas Libonas LTU
All Latvian riders and 2 from Lithuania.
July. The UCI announced in its July 1997 publication of BMX NEWS, that UCI has its own site on the internet now: www.uci.ch
July 5/6th. International race in Soumagne - Belgium.
Number of entries 254.
Results in Elite Men:
1. Robert Sprokholt NED
2. Anthony Revell GBR
3. Darren O’Neill GBR
4. Bertrand Briois FRA
5. Johan Edman SWE
6. Julien Rocchisiani FRA
7. Willy Turpin FRA
8. Martin Murray GBR
Elite/Junior Women:
1. Karien Gubbels NED
2. Ellen Bollanssee BEL
3. Melanie Boudoux FRA
Junior Men:
1. Jerome Pepin FRA
2. Teemu Danielsson SWE
3. Stephen Murray GBR
July 11 - 13th. UCI - BMX European Challenge and Championships final round in Doetinchem - Holland.
A very well and professional organized event organized by the BMX club FCC de IJsselcrossers of Doetinchem. A perfect opening at PALESTRA with para’s bringing down the UCI flag. A promotion “village” was created, the radio Veronica truck took care of the music during the evenings to entertain all present. All around the track, Grand stands were built and probably in total around 2500 till 3000 spectators filled the stand on Saturday and specially Sunday. A huge podium was built to be used for the presentation of awards. One can say that this was the first time a classic event was organized after the European Challenge Cup events had stopped in 1993! In total there were 1750 entries from 18 countries. In Elite men class alone there were 145 entries. 150 volunteers helped organize this event.
Some critics from the English Magazine “Ride BMX” on this EC:
“Dick Bulten and his crew had really pulled out all of the stops for this one” and “ The European Champs are historically always better than the Worlds and this was no exception” and ... It was red hot all weekend and the opening ceremony was cool” and ....The only bummer was the gate, or in fact the light sequence with the gate”.
Overall result European Championship
Elite Men:
1. Dale Holmes - Champion, GBR
2. Thomas Allier F
3. Roy van Leur NL
4. Robert de Wilde NL
5. Robert Sprokholt NL
6. Leiv Ove Nordmark N
7. Dennis Wissink NL
8. Sebastien Paradis F
9. Pieter Does NL
10. Florent Bout F
11. Carmine Falco F
12. Denis Labigang F
Elite Women:
1. Karien Gubbels - Champion, NL
2. Natascha Massop NL
3. Kerstin Munski D
4. Jolanda Oosten NL
5. Rebecca Wichman NL
6. Bianca Tenniglo NL
7. Kerri Edgworth GBR
8. Brigitte Buschers NL
9. Sanna Ohlsson Sw
10. Astrid Delescluse F
11. Anne Praud F
12. Karin Laupsien CH
Results EC Factory Teams:
1. GT Bicycles 305 pts.
2. Webco Mentos/Bolle Team 299 pts.
3. Sunn-Nike 1 268 pts.
4. Mongoose Team Nederland 242 pts.
National Teams:
1. France 321 pts.
2. Great Britain 296 pts.
3. Holland 249 pts.
4. Latvia 186 pts.
July 20th. The UCI-BMX World Cup, Airdrie near Calgary - Canada was on. Third and final round.
The University of BMX organized the trip for the Webco-Mentos BMX World Team. Our group was in total 27 persons. Teammembers were: Marlies Knill, Beer Brink, Dorus Brink, Peter v.d. Wildeberg, Rob v.d. Wildenberg, Antony Revell, Ben Overson, Jakub Hnidak, Joachim Ruckgaber, Ine Ruckgaber, Jorg de Louw, Robert de Wilde, Bas Weijers, Dennis Weijers, P. Alofs, Mariële Bogers, Mark van Leur, Roy van Leur, Pieter Does and Gerrit Does. Later on Nico Does, the Knill (4) and Kesic family (2) joined the group in Saskatoon.
We traveled from Amsterdam through Iceland to Calgary - Canada on July 15th. First we stayed in Calgary from July 15th till Monday 21st. Our hotel was the TRAVELODGE about 15 minutes from downtown Calgary and about 25 minutes from the UCI BMX World Cup track. We went to the Rocky Mountains, the Olympic ski- jump site and we did some shopping. The World Cup event took place at in Airdrie, Alberta - Canada (for report, see July 20th). Entry fee for riders between US $ 50,= and US& 75,= per class.
As project manager of the UCI - BMX World Cup Series I was very disappointed to find out what the level of organization was at this so-called World Cup. Probably the organizers never did read the UCI Organization Guide, because they did not even try to make it a kind of special event. It turned out to be just another BMX race. My main concern at the time was, do people understand what a World Cup really means! Do they know what marketing and promoting an event is. Where ever I go I find BMX events with NO outside BMX spectators. I believe organizers/ federations don’t even try their best to make the World Cup events a special thing. Pity. Probably time isn’t ready yet. That’s my conclusion more and more.
Results of the Airdrie World Cup.
Elite Men:
1. Thomas Allier FRA
2. Dale Holmes GBR
3. Daylan Clayton GBR
4. Urs Kropf SUI
5. Todd Lyons USA
6. Robert de Wilde NED
7. Brian Foster USA
8. Jesse Carlsson AUS
Elite Women:
1. Natarsha Williams AUS
2. Karien Gubbels NED
3. Brigitte Busschers NED
4. Sanna Ohlsson SWE
5. Karin Laupsien SUI
6. Jolanda Oosten NED
7. Kerstin Munski GER
8. Stephanie Anderson USA
Junior Men:
1. Michal Polansky CZE
2. Ryan McTaggart USA
3. Scott Clark CAN
4. Sebastian Tejada COL
5. Lukas Tamme CZE
6. Scott Burston GBR
7. Juan Galvis COL
8. Brant Moisel AUS
Junior Women:
1. Rachel Marshall AUS
2. Alesha Pollard AUS
3. Ellen Bollansee BEL
4. Rianne Busschers NED
5. Laura Mercado COL
6. Ilse Freriks NED
Final standings of the 1997 UCI BMX World Cup Series
Elite Men:
1. Dale Holmes GBR
2. Thomas Allier FRA
3. Jesse Carlsson AUS
4. Robert de Wilde NED
5. Dylan Clayton GBR
6. Kamahl Lord AUS
7. Jamie Staff GBR
8. Anthony Revell GBR
Elite Women:
1. Natarsha Williams AUS
2. Karien Gubbels NED
3. Kerstin Munski GER
4. Brigitte Busschers NED
5. Sanna Ohlsson SWE
6. Heidi Kampshall AUS
7. Bianca Tenniglo NED
8. Rebecca Wichman NED
Junior Men:
1. Lukas Tamme CZE
2. Brant Moisel AUS
3. Scott Burston GBR
4. Dorus Brink NED
5. John Johnson AUS
6. Michal Polanski CZE
7. Marco Dell’Isola GBR
8. Thierry Fouilleul FRA
Junior Women:
1. Rachael Marshall AUS
2. Alesha Pollard AUS
3. Ellen Bollansee BEL
4. Rianne Busschers NED
5. Tatjana Schocher SUI
6. Ilse Freriks NED
7. Tracey Vince AUS
8. Pamela Schafer GER
July 22th - July 27th. UCI BMX World Championships Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - Canada.
July 21st. we all left Calgary by plane for Saskatoon. There we stayed at the Comfort Inn, about a 10 minutes drive from the BMX Worlds track. Right after we arrived and had checked in, we left for the track to check it out. A brand new track had been laid down in front of the Prairieland Exhibition grandstand. When it rained during the Friday before the event, it showed that the track was new! MUD. However, just in time for the event itself all was o.k. again. Still the tickets were very expensive like 3-Day passes cost ... $ 35 and a 1-Day pass cost ... $15. Some notes from the English magazine “Rides BMX Magazine” on the World track: the track sucked! More: A 20 pages article in the local newspaper did not bring in the outside BMX people they expected. No interest for BMX?
During some free-time, ofcourse we went sight-seeing. Among others we visited Wanuskewin Heritage Park and an indoor golf driving course where Anthony Revell showed his skill (worked at the time at a golf course).
In general the event was kind of o.k. Around 1100 entries from 32 countries. Countries represented were: Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bellarus, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Curacao, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Switzerland, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, United States, Venezuela. One can say a very good representation of foreign countries, a true Worlds. As at most of the World Championships that I have been too, not many outside BMX spectators were present during the event. Per day around 2000 till 2500 spectators were watching the racing.
The 1997 UCI BMX World Champions Saskatoon - Canada. Results in the Championship classes.
Junior Men:
1. Ivo Lakucs - LAT
2. Thierry Fouilleul - FRA
3. Mickael Deldycke - FRA
4. Paul Bailey - USA
5. Jocelyn Ruiz - FRA
6. Larry Cambra - USA
7. Brant Moisel - AUS
8. Jason Johnson - USA
Junior Women:
1. Rachel Marshall - AUS
2. Audrey Pichol - FRA
3. Ellen Bollansee - BEL
4. Ana Flavia Sgobin - BRA
5. Dagmar Polakova - SVK
6. Tatjana Schocher - SUI
7. Rianne Busschers - NED
8. Marla Brady - USA
Elite Men:
1. John Purse - USA
2. Greg Romero - USA
3. Matt Hadan - USA
4. Christophe Leveque - FRA
5. Thomas Allier - FRA
6. Robbie Miranda - USA
7. Neal Wood - GBR
8. Steve Veltman - USA
Elite Women:
1. Michelle Cairns - USA
2. Karien Gubbels - NED
3. Marie McGilvary - USA
4. Shawnda Shaughness y - USA
5. Jolanda Oosten - NED
6. Brigitte Busschers - NED
7. Cecile Frayssinet - FRA
8. Astrid Delescluse - FRA
Junior Cruiser:
1. Thierry Fouilleul - FRA
2. Mickael Deldycke - FRA
3. Kevin Royal - USA
4. Dorus Brink - NED
5. Sevastian Tejada - COL
6. Larry Cambra - USA
7. Jocelyn Ruiz - FRA
8. Sebastian O. Ilarri - ARG
Elite Cruiser:
1. Christophe Leveque - FRA
2. Neal Wood - GBR
3. Dale Holmes - GBR
4. Kiyomi Waller - USA
5. Thomas Allier - FRA
6. Todd Lyons - USA
7. Jacguel Gonzalez - VEN
8. Brent Lee - USA
Winners Challenge Classes:
5,6,7 Girls - Ilianaa Bemal (COL)
8 Girls - Magalie Pottier (FRA)
9 Girls - Melissa Mankowski (AUG)
10 Girls - Ashley Galea’i (USA)
11 Girls - Samantha Cools (CAN)
12 Girls - Elizabeth Stephens (USA)
13 Girls - Analia Diaz (ARG)
14 Girls - Vilma Rimsaite (LTU)
15 Girls - Anneke Boerten (NED)
16 Girls - Jill Kinter (USA)
5&6 Boys - Diego Tamauz (EQU)
7 Boys - Ryan Lasky (USA)
8 Boys - Rodrigo Alarcon (BRA)
9 Boys - Juan Vasquez (COL)
10 Boys - Leigh Darrell (AUG)
11 Boys - Augusto Castro (COL)
12 Boys - Manuel Lopez (ARG)
13 Boys - Martin Bernabo (ARG)
14 Boys - Billy Price (USA)
15 Boys - Rob v.d. Wildenberg (NED)
16 Boys - George Andrews (USA)
Challenge Cruiser Classes:
Boys 12 & under - Manuel Lopez (ARG)
Boys 13 - 14 - Eric Kleist (USA)
Boys 15 - 16 - George Andrews (USA)
Men 30 - 34 - Gary Slater (USA)
Men 35 - 39 - Mike Long (USA)
Men 40 - 44 - Peter Price (USA)
Men 45+ - Gerard Soucaze (FRA)
Medal count World Championship titles per country:
Country Gold Silver Bronze
1. France 2 3 1
2. USA 2 1 3
3. Australia 1 - -
4. Latvia 1 - -
5. England - 1 1
6. Holland - 1 -
7. Belgium - - 1
Total: 6 6 6
Medal count World Challenge titles per country:
Country Gold Silver Bronze
1. USA 11 5 9
2. Argentina 4 3 2
3. Colombia 3 - 1
4. France 2 4 5
5. Australia 2 3 1
6. Holland 2 - 1
7. Canada 1 4 1
8. Equador 1 1 1
9. Brazil 1 - -
10. Lithuania 1 - -
11. Czech Republic - 2 4
12. Bolivia - 1 2
13. England - 1 1
14. Chili - 1 -
Slovakia - 1 -
Venezuela - 1 -
Latvia - 1 -
Total: 28 28 28
World Team results.
World Championship National Teams:
1. France 366 points
2. USA 293
3. Australia 261
4. England 256
5. Holland 212
6. Argentina 176
World Championship Trade Teams:
1. Sunn - Nike (riders C.Leveque and Th.Allier) - 350 points
2. GT Bicycles (Th. Fouilleul, M. McGilvary, D. Holmes, G. Ellis) - 284
3. Webco Mentos (D.Brink, A.Revell, P.Does) - 236
World Challenge National Teams:
1. Argentina 330 points
2. USA 319
3. Slovakia 314
4. Australia 280
5. Canada 278
July. During the UCI -BMX Convention the “Four Year Plan for BMX” (1998- 2001) has been discussed.
It’s contense was the current situation, the objectives and the strategy. To give you all an idea what this was all about, here large parts from this report. Probably only a select group of people ever saw this report and I believe in order to realize such an important piece of strategy, also clubs, riders and even the press should be aware of it and should be well informed about it. You will also find out, that a lot of the ideas presented have been suggested by myself several years ago. Not many real knew ideas or concepts have been implemented. During preparations for the World Cup events, Louis Vrijdag and myself did spent a weekend in Lausanne and discussed about a lot of the ideas I had and that finally became a part of the 4 year plan. Just read on, interesting stuff ................
UCI FOUR YEAR PLAN FOR BMX (1998 - 2001).
The key parameters of this report. BMX within the UCI.
In the past, the main stream of international BMX was governed by the I.BMX.F. (International BMX Federation). But from January 1st 1993 on, the I.BMX.F and therefore BMX has been melted into the UCI. After a 3 year transitional period, the final formalization of this integration has taken place in an extraordinary I.BMX.F. meeting in Brighton (England) on August 15th, 1996.
What can BMX do for UCI?
The discipline of BMX within UCI is another and new branch to the UCI tree, and thus is a contribution to the profile of UCI as the world governing body for all cycling disciplines.
UCI and cycling in general have a problem to attract young riders to the sport. By cause of its nature of a spectacular and dynamic sports discipline, BMX automatically appeals to young people. Thus, BMX can be a tool to get young people into cycling. BMX can be the talent pool for cycling and provides for a significant juvenile division like no other UCI discipline does. Note GD: also the type and model of the bikes (20 inch) are ofcourse very suitable for young people. This wasn’t mentioned in the report.
Being one of the most technical cycling disciplines, BMX can provide for an excellent technical background to young cyclists, no matter whether they stay in BMX or switch to another cycling discipline at an older age. Quite some renowned cyclists have a BMX background, in downhill mountain biking and track cycling, but also e.g. in cross country mountain biking and road cycling. A few striking examples are:
Mike King (USA), 1993 Senior Men Downhill World Champ;
Leigh Donovan (USA), 1995 Senior Women Downhill World Champ;
Anne-Caroline Chausson (France), 1993, 1994 and 1995 Junior Women and 1996 Elite Women Downhill World Champ;
Jerome Chiotti (France), 1996 Elite Men Cross Country World Champ;
John Tomac (USA), 1991 Senior Men Cross Country World Champ and World Cup Champion;
Jurgen Beneke (Germany), 1993 Senior Men Mountain Bike World Champ;
Darryn Hill (USA), 1996 Olympic Sprint (track) World Champ;
Martin Nothstein (USA), 1996 World Keirin Champ;
Cedric Garcia (France), 1995 Junior Men Downhill World Champ;
Sven Nijs (Belgium), 1997 Junior Men World Cyclo Cross Champ;
Tommy Johansson (Sweden), 2nd in the men’s downhill at the 1994 MTB Worlds;
Bas de Bever (Holland), 3rd in the men’s downhill at the 1996 MTB Worlds;
Eric Carter (USA), 4th in the men’s downhill at the 1996 MTB Worlds;
David (Tinker) Juarez (USA), international cross country mountain biker;
Brian Lopes (USA), international downhill mountain biker;
Frank Roman (France), international downhill mountain biker;
Pete Loncarevitch (USA), international downhill mountain biker;
Miles Rockwell (USA), international downhill mountain biker;
Scott Sharples (Australia), international downhill mountain biker;
Corine Dorland (Holland), international cross country mountain biker;
Max van Heeswijk (Holland), international road cyclist rider;
Peter van den Abeele
Chris Jacobs, international moto-cross GP rider
And the list goes on and on, because this is only the tip of the iceberg.
What can UCI do for BMX?
Being the world governing body for cycling and thus the only IOC recognized cycling body, the UCI can help BMX developing as a fully recognized sport and can provide a direct link to the international cycling community and the Olympic Games. The UCI Management Committee can stimulate national cycling federations, which have not yet incorporated BMX, to start developing a BMX program in addition to their other cycling programs.
Through its marketing department, the UCI can promote and market BMX to the mass media and potential sponsors. Intervention by the UCI marketing department is also needed with regard to getting the major international BMX events on worldwide television.
By giving financial support, the UCI can help BMX to develop a fully fledged international race program. Financial support is also required in order to guarantee television productions of the above major international BMX events.
Only through UCI, BMX can get eventual Olympic recognition.
Remarks GD: During preparations for the UCI-BMX World Cup organization, I did spent a weekend together with Louis Vrijdag at the UCI office in Lausanne. Being there, we also discussed about this 4 year plan and I did give my opinion on several items, which have been included in this report. At the time I expected and hoped UCI would fully support the ideas and suggestion. Rewriting all of the above for my web-site first half of 2002, I realized that of the above mentioned not much has been implemented or even worse.... almost nothing has been realized of the above!!! I am very sorry to say this, but its a fact.
History of BMX in short.
Bicycle Moto Cross (BMX) as practiced today, started in the late 1960’s in California (USA). It was in those days that motocross became a popular sport in the United States. A lot of youngsters though, who would like to participate in motocross, did not have the required minimum age to participate and/or the money to buy an expensive motorcycle. As a substitute for motocross, they started to race on bicycles on self built tracks, dressed in motocross gear, imitating “real” moto- cross as much as possible.
As time went by, these races became a popular issue, especially in California. In the early 1970’s a sanctioning body for BMX was founded in the U.S. and this may be considered as the “official” start of BMX racing (NBA - 1974). In this decade the sport was introduced on other continents too. among them Europe in 1978 (remark GD: just for the files, BMX imported in Holland in February 1978 by myself. First officialy registered BMX organization was the S.F.N. - St. Fietscross Nederland. This was the official start for BMX in Europe.
In April 1981 the International BMX Federation was founded, being then thé international governing body for BMX. (remark GD: in all modesty, I can say I was the guy who initiated the organization of an international BMX organization during the 1979 JAG BMX World Championships organized by promoter Renny Rooker. Together with George E. Esser and Tadashi Inoue we were the initiators. I specially want to mention this because people tend to forget were it all started and were the roots were of the I.BMX.F.) The first I.BMX.F. World Championship was held in 1982 in Dayton - Ohio, USA. During the years BMX turned out to be a sport on it’s own. If it would be linked to another sports discipline, it should be rather to cycling than to motocross. (remark GD: in the early days, I first contacted the F.I.M., the world governing body for motorcycling, among others moto-cross as you can read in the “history of bmx”). It is for that reason that from January 1993 BMX has been temporary (3 year test periode) integrated into the Union Cycliste Internationale.
Current situation of BMX within UCI
Number of countries with UCI recognized BMX activities: 40
Number of BMX licensees (through UCI federations): approximately 51.000. Male/female = around 3 : 1
Number of BMX clubs (through UCI federations): approximately 1.450.
Number of BMX tracks (through UCI federations): approximately 1.150.
Significant growth of BMX in U.S.A. and Australia, status quo in Europe and South America, little development in Africa and Asia.
Work structure and political structure.
BMX Commission: 7 members (president, continental representatives, industry representative, UCI Management Committee liaison).
Technical Group for technical matters, developing new rules, etc.: 3 members.
Full-time BMX Co-ordinator at the UCI - office.
UCI appointed officials for World Championships, World Cups and Continental Championships.
Project Manager of the BMX World Cup Series.
Annual BMX Convention for UCI-BMX countries, 3 BMX Commission meetings on a yearly bases.
Two continental BMX federations (European BMX Committee and American BMX Confederation).
Full BMX integration within UCI. Partial BMX integration at national level (21 national cycling federations with BMX department, 19 still independent BMX federations).
International race structure.
Number of races on international BMX calendar: > 20.
Types of races: World Championship, World Cup Series, Continental Championships, regular international races.
Most organizations on a voluntary basis. Limited number of professional organizing agencies.
Relatively limited number of spectators (World Championship: 6 till 8.000).
In most cases spectators are family or accompanists of the riders.
Revenues to organizers from entry monies, spectator fees, etc. Limited income from sponsorships.
Most riders going to international events are self funding. Limited number of riders funded by (team) sponsor. Financial support by national federations is even more limited.
Limited number of high standard BMX tracks.
Team competition at World Championships/Challenges, World Cups and Continental Championships/Challenges.
World and European Championships are mass events with > 1.500 entries, most other races fewer then 500 entries.
Limited selection criteria for World Championships/Challenges, World Cups and Continental Championships/Challenges. No selection criteria for other races.
Use of UCI race computer programs at World Championship, World Cups and European Championship. Other races: some host organizations use their own race computer program.
International category structure
Two levels of competition: “Championship” (Elite and Junior) and “Challenge” (other classes).
Two types of bicycles: 20” wheels (traditional BMX bicycle) and 24” wheels (cruiser).
World BMX Rankings
Ranking for men and women, both including elite and junior riders.
Counting races: international races and selected National Championship races.
UCI and national federation recognition, identity and exposure
Official titles at World Championships (individual and team), World Cup Series (individual) and Continental Championships (individual and team).
Challenge titles (individual and team) at World and Continental Challenges.
Rainbow jersey and medals in gold-silver-bronze at World-Championships, leader’s jersey at World Cups, Champion’s jersey and medals in gold-silver- bronze at European Championships.
UCI exposure by means of banners and flags on an incidental basis (major Championships).
Obligation to wear the national jersey at World Championships (elite and junior only) and at World Cups for riders on the national team.
Allocation of races, site inspections and obsever reports
World Championship: on recommendation by BMX Commission to UCI Management Committee.
Europe: working committee for establishment of the European calendar.
South America: internally voted on in their continental BMX federation.
All races on international calendar subject to final approval by the UCI Management Committee.
Site inspections: for the World Championship in the year prior to the event, for other races on an incidental basis.
Observer reports: report on international test race in host country of the World Championship.
Regulation documents, training-course and officials pool
BMX Rule Book (English and French).
World Championship criteria and a 4 year plan to host a World Championship (English).
World Cup organization guide (English).
Limited number of training-courses for BMX officials.
Limited number of good BMX officials at international level (approx.10-15).
Information structure
Worldwide press releases from UCI office on major international Champion- ships and Series.
BMX pages at UCI web site on the internet.
BMX newsletter (English), called “BMX News”.
Direct mailing to international BMX riders at elite and junior level.
Marketing situation and sponsorships
Most international BMX races have low sponsorships.
No structured marketing policy for BMX a the UCI.
There is significant potential for BMX on the sales market (e.g. U.S.A. and Australia).
Image of BMX
BMX still has a youth orientated image for many people (small bicycle and many race classes).
On the other hand, BMX is gaining recognition through other cycling disciplines. Many top riders in other disciplines have a BMX background.
Then the report goes on:
OBJECTIVES TO BE ACHIEVED BY THE YEAR 2001
Full recognition of BMX
Inclusion of BMX in the Olympic Games.
Inclusion of BMX in the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Pan-American Games etc.
Inclusion of BMX in the program of as many UCI affiliated national cycling federations as possible.
Full recognition of BMX as a sport at top level (however at the same time as the talent pool for cycling through BMX’s natural appeal to young people).
Full recognition of the technical skills of BMX top athletes. Emphasis on the spectacular, dynamic aspects of the sport.
UCI-BMX countries, BMX licensees, BMX clubs, BMX tracks
Number of countries with UCI recognized BMX activities: approximately 55
Number of BMX licensees (through UCI federations): approximately 61.000
Proportion between male and female licensees: from 75%-25% to at least 65%-35%.
Number of BMX clubs (through UCI federations): approximately 1.700.
Number of BMX tracks (through UCI federations): approximately 1.350.
Work structure and political structure
BMX Commission, advised by sub-commissions and by specially appointed persons. Decisions and recommendations on all items by the BMX Commission. Subject to final approval by the UCI Management Committee.
Technical Group for development of rules, technical matters, site inspections, recommendations on allocation of races and observer reports.
Significant input from national federations through annual BMX Convention.
High level BMX administration at the UCI office.
Appointed officials at key positions at all races on the international calendar.
Full BMX integration within national and continental cycling federations.
International race structure
Number of international races on the calendar: minimum of 40.
Type of races: World Championships, World Cup Series (5 rounds on a at least 3 continents), Continental Championship Series (minimum of 4 rounds each on all continents), European Club Championships, regular international races.
Separate events, dates and venues for the World Championship and World Challenge, and for Continental Championships and Continental Challenges. For regular international races, Championship and Challenge classes all at the same event.
Co-operation with other cycling disciplines by means of organizing combined events, in particular with mountain biking and track racing.
Emphasis on organizers/promoters on a professional basis (professional agencies). Full support by national cycling federations.
Number of spectators at international BMX events: increase of at least 30%. Emphasis on increase of number of spectators at World Championships and World Cup races. Considerable change of spectator population, that is many more spectators from outside BMX.
Revenues to organizers: besides revenue from entry monies, camping site, catering, parking etc., a considerable increase of income from spectator fees and sponsorships.
Considerable increase of funding of riders going to international events by team sponsors and national federations. Financial intervention by national federations sending teams to World Championships, World Cup races and Continental Championships.
At least one BMX track per country especially built for elite and junior level riders, spectacular and highly challenging.
Transparent and media/spectator friendly category structure.
Transparent, fair and unambiguous points system for all team racing. Full recognition of team competition at World/Continental Championships and World Cup races.
Compact, media/spectator friendly race format at all international events.
Use of highly developed race computer programs at all international events.
Use of standardized, high quality finish line video camera equipment at all international events.
Use of standardized, high quality voice box equipment for starting gate at all international events.
Use of lap time scoring system and scoreboard at the World Championship and all World Cup races.
Selection criteria for the World Championship, World Cup races and Continental Championships.
Full support and guidelines from the event organization department at the UCI, especially in case of World BMX Championships.
World BMX Rankings
Fully recognized individual rankings for men and women.
Fully recognized team rankings for trade teams.
Only international races counting for the rankings.
Rankings to be used for selection for major international Championships.
UCI and national federation identity and exposure
Various UCI awarded jerseys and medals at all major international Championships.
UCI banners and flags at all events on the international BMX calendar.
UCI officials’ uniforms for all appointed UCI officials at all events on the international BMX calendar.
Compulsory wearing of the international BMX jersey at all World Championships and Continental Championship races.
Allocation of races, site inspections and observer reports
Recommendation on allocation of races by Technical Group to BMX Commission. Subject to final approval by the UCI Management Committee.
Site inspections by Technical Group or specially appointed person(s) in good time prior to the event for the World Championship, all World Cup races and all Continental Championship races.
Observer reports by Technical Group or specially appointed person(s) on all major Championships.
Regulation documents, training-courses, seminars and officials pool
Fully developed BMX Rule Book, bitbooks for all types of international BMX events, organization guides and season guide (all in English and French).
Fully developed training-courses for various types of BMX officials.
International BMX officials list comprising at least 40 highly qualified officials. Classification of international BMX officials at two levels:
A. World Championship/World Cup/Continental Championship;
B. Regular international races.
Organizers’ seminar for all organizers of the World Championship, World Cup races and Continental Championship races.
Information flows
Press-releases (in English and French) on the World Championship, World Cup rounds, all Continental Championship events and the World BMX Rankings on a regular basis (approx. 25 in total). To be sent worldwide to newspapers, magazines, radio/TV, journalists, national federations, members of all UCI commissions, discipline specific industry, a number of international BMX riders and others.
Fully developed BMX pages on the UCI internet web site, containing continuously up-to-date information on BMX results, World BMX Rankings, UCI-BMX federations addresses, selected BMX newsletter items, etc. All information in both English and French. Hot link to all national federations that have BMX web pages.
Fully developed BMX Media Guide, with rider biographies, reviews of results, information on the World BMX Rankings and the international BMX race programme, etc. All information in both English and French. To be sent out before the beginning of the international race season to worldwide press, newspapers, magazines, Radio/TV, etc.
BMX newsletter for internal information, published four times a year (February, May, August, December). To be sent worldwide to national federations, UCI Management Committee members, UCI BMX Commission members, discipline specific industry, BMX Magazines, international BMX officials, and others.
When necessary, worldwide direct mailing (in English and French) to international BMX riders at elite and junior level.
Marketing structure and sponsorships.
Structured marketing policy for BMX by marketing department at the UCI office.
BMX to be televised in a good and professional way on a worldwide scale.
1998 UCI BMX Commission Budget.
Without going into detail, I just want to inform you about the total amounts concerning Expenditure, being ....... CHF 306.500,= and Income, being .............. CHF 127.000,=.
I think this tells you enough already about the financial position of BMX within UCI: BMX does cost UCI !
I left out the Strategy to achieve the objectives. Maybe later on I will add this part also. Reason why I left it out? See next lines.
Remarks GD: again reading all of the above back again, I only can say that I am very disappointed in UCI and more specific in the BMX Commission, since only about 10/15% of the goals have been realized by the year 2001. My opinion is that UCI-BMX lacks charismatic, idealistic leaders who also can come up with new refreshing ideas. It also lacks the will of the UCI to really invest in BMX. National federations that are willing, but don’t have the money or organizers to set up events like a World Cup or even World Championships. There is no consistency in organizing World Championships for instance. One has to depend on national organizers that are yes/no capable of running such an event or have yes/no enough funding to get it all organized as it should be. What happened to the World Cup events? What about the promise that BMX would become an Olympic sport?
Nowadays the UCI-BMX does have its yearly Convention. This should be the podium were ideas like a Four Year Plan and its contense should come from. In fact its a meeting with only a one way traffic communication. Plans are already fixed by a handful of people, no discussions anymore during the Convention. Its a policy alright, but I doubt if it helps BMX getting better this way (it proved that it doesn’t so far!).
For in most cases political reasons, national representatives are too kind towards the UCI in general. Not many representatives and/or others in BMX dare to tell the truth, express there real feelings and specially not at a Convention. In Holland (year 2002) we had a man called Pim Fortuyn, he went into politics and told the Nation exactly what he thought about all kinds of problems accuring in our country. I did not agree with everything a stood for, but he was honest at last. Some grazie loner killed him, otherwise he would have become the next Prime-Minister of Holland for sure with millions of voters standing behind him. TELL IT HOW IT IS! Because of him the political arena has been woken up and they do realize now what the people want and they will work towards that.
Does anybody within the whole of UCI really wonder what the RIDERS want? I wonder. Think about it.
Finalizing 1997, the KNWU (Royal Dutch Cycling Federation) stated that for the first time in many years the number of license holders went up this year.
PICTURE GALLERY
