Airdrie proved again last weekend it can host major events, as the 2010 BMX nationals held in the city Aug. 27-29, was a resounding success.
The National Cycling Championships BMX, its official title, brought thousands of BMX fans to Airdrie’s track for three days of competition. Airdrie BMX president Tim Croft said he was impressed with how the event went.
“It was a huge success,” he said. “It turned out to be the largest national championships in about five years based on rider numbers.”
Nearly 500 of the best BMX riders, ages five to 45, from across the country, competed in a number of different classes. Airdrie riders Samantha Cools and Jimmy Brown both won their classes to provide a significant local flavour to the winner’s circle.
“It’s always nice when your local kids can take a podium,” Croft said. “Even some of the kids who didn’t make their mains (finals), I’m sure it was a great experience for them, because they can look and go ‘wow, I know how much further or how much better I’ve got to do to achieve that level. It reinforces the nature of our coaches and our club. We, as club and as a community, are doing something right for these kids.”
Around 2,000 spectators from five provinces: Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, B.C. and Alberta, came to watch and support the athletes. Croft said all of the feedback he received was positive.
“From all the comments I heard, everyone was pleased with the track conditions and I really haven’t heard any negative feedback,” he said. “There was a positive response to the community and everybody was really pleased.
Competition in the races, which featured 60 riders in the various race finals, was also fierce.
“I haven’t seen races that big except in the (United) States for the junior and elite riders. For Canada, it’s awesome to have that many riders at that calibre,” Croft said. “The weather turned out well, the track was awesome, and the volunteers were awesome. Every one of the stands was full. The next national championships will have a tough time matching it. This wasn’t just a race – it was an event. And it was an awesome event.”
