UCI Worlds BMX Racing Reactions

Glad to know I'm not the only one who hated the drone shot. You couldn't see anything from that view. Aside from performance reviews (and yours are spot on), I'd like to say that there are too many camera shots on these races. Zooming in too far, and cutting from shot-to-shot makes it extremely difficult to follow the action. Then the drone shot they loved on this broadcast was just waaaaay too far away to see anything clearly.

Long comment, but first off I'd like to say thanks for the worlds feedback. Best feedback of all the others since it comprises video, technical and tactical explanations.

Second, growing up in the US starting racing in Orlando then Memphis I know full well the NBL circuit and current national type racing. Living now in France since 1996 we race in blocks, have always done. That means that racing is intense and quick in timing. As an older cruiser guy we start at 8 or 9 am and done by 1pm, practice included. With quarters that gives us 6 laps at full speed in that window. This is the same for locals or nationals.

Thirdly, I found it hard to adapt to the club system at first. Coming from the US, I used to race two or three times a week. Now in France we have a maximum of 15 races a year. Let's say, 10 or so regionals, which you could compare to driving across state. Then there are three nationals for cruisers which qualify 15 riders from each group to the National Championships. When you get to the Championships, equivalent to the grands there would be a maximum cap of the best riders for cruisers straight to quarters. Let's just say the level is insane.

Finally, the coaching system, which I also have a French diploma for undergoing over two weeks of training with the top coaches to validate. Every club in France must have at least one certified coach, like myself, per 20 riders. My club in the North of France, where Romain Mahieu came from, has practices 4 times a week. I coach two groups twice a week in that window. Some clubs are also considered professional and are included in a division championship. There are about 20 clubs total at that level. The coaches must have a degree in bmx equivalent to a PE teacher in the US specifically to bmx. There are at least 5 pro riders, all on salary, and at least 5 under junior riders in development. That makes around 100 salary paid riders in France. More and more foreign riders are taking advantage of this, including Mariana Pajon who is from a central France club thanks to Vincent Peluard. This just makes for great National racing each weekend and pulls everyone to be their best.

Just my two cents!
Gary Hellman