2023 Guide to BMX Racing
BMX racing is an action packed sport where racers compete against each other on outdoor or indoor tracks that are around 400m long. Up to eight riders start on a hill and each track has different jumps and obstacles in it.
BMX Bike races begin with qualifying heats, called ‘motos’. A maximum of eight riders contest each moto, before moving on through further knockout rounds until the final, which decides the overall winner. Races usually last well under a minute.
History of BMX racing
BMX became popular in the early 1980s in Southern California and is similar to motocross and mountain biking, but involves specialised bikes that are lighter and smaller.
The first BMX world championships were held in 1982 but it wasn’t until 1993 that the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) integrated the discipline. A decline hit soon after however, and the sport nearly died until the X Games brought it back in 1995. The sport made its debut at the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008, which gave it a global stage.
In 2021, South Region rider Bethany Shriever became Britain's first gold medalist in the sport moments after Kye Whyte, another South Region rider, had won the first ever British medal in the sport (Silver in the Men's event).
Today in Britain there are regional racing leagues, British Cycling's UK BMX National Series and British BMX Championships. Racing takes place throughout the year.
There are two main forms of BMX biking; freestyle BMX and BMX racing, but those can be further broken down into Flatland, Street, Park Riding, and Dirt Riding BMX.
One of the most famous BMX riders is Mat Hoffman who is an American BMX rider. He is nicknamed "The Condor" and runs the BMX Freestyle brand Hoffman BMX Bikes. He has invented more than 100 tricks and acted as the driving force for progression in the sport since turning pro in 1991.
BMX Racing
Club Racing
Club racing is a great opportunity for new racers to dip their toe into the sport and there are so many different clubs all over the UK.
Here's a few we recommend for the Midlands:
Birmingham BMX Club
Wolverhampton Wheelers
Redditch Premiers BMX Club
Derby BMX Club
But you can find more on the British cycling site.
Full Calendar for 2023
National BMX Series
Rounds 1 and 2: Cyclopark, Kent – 1-2 April
Rounds 3 and 4: Platt Fields, Manchester Outdoor – 3-4 June
Rounds 5 and 6 (National Championships): Gosport, Hampshire – 1-2 July
Rounds 7 and 8: TBC, 9-10 September
2023 British Championships
26-27 August, Derby
BMX Kit and Clothing
Jersey
Jerseys in BMX riding are vibrant and colourful. Long sleeves and covered legs are also a necessity, to reduce the damage a tumble can cause to exposed skin.
Helmet
Full face helmets are compulsory wear in BMX racing, as crashes can occur in both competition and training.
Pads and gloves
BMX Gloves are non-optional; the full-fingered gloves increase the safety measures put in place for BMX riders. Knee and Elbow pads are recommended.
The Bike
BMX racing bikes are simple and strong, with a single gear and usually just a rear brake.They are much smaller than a mountain, road or track bike.
Who is British Cycling
British Cycling are committed to helping you in all forms of cycling in Britain. Whether you are a competitor in one of the six sporting disciplines, (BMX, mountain bike, cyclo-cross, road, track and cycle speedway) a commuter or a leisurely cycler.
Shop our entire range of BMX Bikes and Kids Bikes.
