BMX Racing

BMX racing is a type of off road bike racing, similar to motorbike super cross racing and mountain bike 4X racing. BMX racing was introduced as a full medal Olympic sport in the Beijing Olympics in 2008. United States dominated the men’s event, winning gold, silver and bronze. In the women’s event, France took gold and silver, with bronze going to the US. 

BMX racing tracks are approximately 45 seconds long, with usually around 20 jumps. 8 riders race on the track which is less than 5 meters wide. The tracks have sharp corners with large banks to help the riders maintain speed through the course.  These courses reward riders who have strength, speed and courage.

In BMX racing, bikes with 20inch wheels are used.  There are no gears on a BMX racing bike and pad brakes are used. The frame of a racing BMX is longer than that of a trick BMX, this allows for more aggressive pedalling and easier cornering. Most high quality racing bikes are made of 4130 chromoly or sometimes aluminium. These metals have a high strength to weight ratio, making them ideal for bikes which need to be strong and lightweight.  The gearing ratio on race BMX bikes is also quite high as riders are travelling at high speed.