SAEDNEWS: BMX (Bicycle Motocross) racing is a type of cycling sport where competitors race on a 350-meter track. This sport is known for its excitement, as it involves cycling on dirt roads with obstacles and sharp inclines.
BMX is a competitive sport where the winner is simply the one who reaches the finish line first. As a result, accidents and falls are common in the sport. A professional BMX race usually lasts no more than 36 seconds, but the 335-meter track is filled with thrilling and breath-taking moments. The reason BMX has found its way into the Olympics is that it has raised the bar for excitement. The starting point of a BMX race is a ramp about the height of a three-story building, which has increased the risk of injury but definitely attracts more spectators and enthusiasts. BMX is a sport that can be started at any age, provided one has the patience for trial and error and is willing to devote time to practice. One of BMX’s strengths is that it has made its way into urban environments. Nowadays, many young BMX riders are seen in cities, which is a good sign of increasing public interest in the sport and its thrill. As a result, BMX practice fields are becoming more common across the country, and BMX riders are often seen alongside skateboarders and skaters in parks throughout major cities in Iran.
These races are typically held with eight cyclists, on a slope that ranges from 4.6 meters to 5 meters in height, with an uneven track. In each round, the top four cyclists advance to the next stage. BMX races are held in two categories: Supercross and Freestyle. In Freestyle competitions, stunts performed by the riders also affect their scores. BMX as a modern sport emerged in the 1980s, though its origins date back to the late 1960s and 1970s in the United States. It has now become part of the Olympic Games. The sport features tracks that are 350 to 400 meters long, and the cyclists start simultaneously from a ramp and race through the track, which includes uneven surfaces, curved corners, and flat sections.
BMX emerged in the early 1970s from a game played by children in Southern California who mimicked motocross riders by racing in the streets. By the mid-1970s, this children's game had evolved into a popular sport, gaining significant attention. BMX bikes are smaller and lower than regular bicycles, which most people are familiar with.
However, Iran has not yet reached a stage where it can introduce any new cycling disciplines beyond mountain biking, road cycling, and track cycling. Ali Zangiabadi, the head of the Cycling Federation, spoke about the future of BMX in Iran and how this discipline could be developed: "BMX, like motorcycling, has its unique appeal. If we can create the necessary conditions for its introduction, many young people will become interested in cycling." Zangiabadi also addressed the question of why they do not use the Azadi Motorcycle Track to launch BMX: "The motorcycle track has steeper hills, which makes it unsuitable for cross bikes. We need to find a different solution for the space." He further mentioned that they had previously prepared a proposal to acquire a piece of land within the Azadi complex for BMX, but the process must be revisited under the new management. Acquiring the land is almost certain; it just needs to be properly allocated.
In this regard, Zangiabadi said, "We have also discussed building a BMX track with the equipment company. Once the location is confirmed, the cost of constructing the track is estimated to be around 300 to 400 million tomans. Of course, after setting up the track, we will need to think about the bikes. We don’t even have a single BMX bike yet, so we need to evaluate the cost and request the necessary budget."
BMX was first introduced in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and also appeared in the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, though only six countries—China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Saudi Arabia—participated. Medals in both the men's and women's categories were only awarded to cyclists from China, Hong Kong, and Japan.
Zangiabadi emphasized that BMX had recently joined the Asian Games and the Olympics and that if Iran could establish a BMX program, they would have a chance to earn medals. However, he acknowledged that the country lacks expertise in BMX and that foreign coaches and specialists would need to be involved to develop the sport.
Currently, mountain biking, track cycling, and road cycling are the available branches of cycling in Iran. Discussions have been held by the head of the Cycling Federation regarding the introduction of BMX, with plans to allocate land for a BMX track in the Azadi complex. However, there is still no certainty regarding this plan. It is hoped that the issue will be addressed, and that enthusiasts will be able to engage in BMX training.
Sub-disciplines like Freestyle BMX, Indoor BMX, and Bike Trials are highly advanced. However, according to the president of the Cycling Federation, there is no capacity to build the facilities required for these sports. As a result, the federation is focusing its efforts on the core disciplines of track cycling, road cycling, and mountain biking. With BMX’s potential to compete in international competitions, the federation aims to later introduce it as a medal-winning sport.
The design of BMX bikes is tailored for performing BMX tricks. These bikes do not require disc brakes; instead, they use caliper brakes, which are more suitable for quick deceleration.
The tires of BMX bikes are designed to withstand quick and agile movements. Their rubber composition must differ from that of regular bikes. BMX bikes do not have gears; their design allows for quick power transfer across all parts of the bike. The brakes are designed for performing various tricks, whether stunts or jumps, without causing issues. The pedals, handlebars, and seat are also different from those of regular bikes. Additionally, there are footrests designed for performing tricks, which help maintain balance. BMX bikes do not have suspension systems and feature a rigid frame.
In BMX training, there are various essential tricks to master. The Bunny Hop (also known as a "Rabbit Jump") is a three-step maneuver where the rider accelerates and increases the pedal speed, lifts the front wheel, and raises the back wheel from about 2 inches to 2 feet above the ground. The goal is to keep the bike in the air to jump over an obstacle. Start with small obstacles and tilt the rear wheel slightly before landing. When landing, use your hands and feet as shock absorbers.
Cornering is another important BMX skill, where the outside pedal should be lower during turns. Focus on using your body weight to navigate corners effectively. Start at a low speed and gradually increase your pace as your skills improve.Wheelies are a common activity in BMX and can be done by those with a sense of adventure. The key to performing a wheelie is finding the bike’s balance point by shifting your weight backward. This technique is crucial for jumping with the bike.
Tabletop Jumps are a short jump done on low ramps, where you leap into the air and land with your arms absorbing the shock. This trick helps improve skills for performing other BMX stunts and wheelies. Dance Jumps involve following the Bunny Hop technique but releasing one foot from the pedal while airborne, adding an element of balance and style.
Weight distribution is critical in BMX riding. For instance, when braking, lean back to maintain better control. If you're using a skid brake, shift your weight forward but ensure you don't lose control. Proper weight control during cornering is also essential for a smooth ride.
