BMX Bikes in Bejing - How will BMX go over?

BMX Bikes Extreme News. The collective gaze of professional cycling has shifted from the scenic switchbacks on l’Alpe d’Huez to the hazy skies above China’s capital city of Beijing. Over the course of the next three weeks — August 8-24 — the world will watch as the top road, track, mountain and BMX cyclists compete for 18 gold medals.

While the Beijing “fog” may not evoke the same magical imagery and beauty as the Tour’s most famous climb, the soupy mix of humidity and smog might be just as decisive in the outcome of all the BMX bikes outdoor races. While the Chinese have taken huge steps to limit the amount of pollution in the air — shutting down all construction within city limits and restricting driving for three weeks — Beijing’s fickle skies have produced inconsistent quality. Two days before the August 8 opening ceremonies, blue skies prevailed. But the following day the soupy mist returned, as did the smell of exhaust that may affect BMX Olympic cyclers.

With the men’s BMX bikes road racing hitting the streets on August 9, the question will be whether one of the region’s frequent rain or wind storms can clean the air. It not, the thick air could likely affect the performances of the world’s top BMX riders. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) retains the power to postpone a BMX biking event in case of poor conditions. But many believe the IOC would balk at postponing an outdoor event due to pollution, choosing instead to appease the will of the Chinese government, which has repeatedly produced reports saying the air is getting cleaner.

Bejing air pollution aside, bicycle motocross, or BMX, makes its debut as an Olympic sport in 2008 with the United States a heavy favorite to take the gold. The IOC is not shy in admitting BMX’s bikes inclusion as an Olympic sport is aimed at attracting the younger X-Games crowd. But unlike X-Games staples such as half-pipe skateboarding or surfing, BMX bikes is decided by a simple rule — first man (or woman) across the line wins.

The sport comes into the Olympics at the expense of the men’s 1-kilometer bmx bike time trial and the women’s 500-meter bmx bike time trial events. The controversial choice effectively halved the number of events for female sprinters.

The traditional BMX bike courses underwent a major boost in brawn with its inclusion in the Olympics. Riders now descend a 26-foot tall ramp before heading out onto the course laden with bumps and berms. Riders catch plenty of air time en route to the finish line. Currently American Donny Robinson is ranked No. 1 in the world, with another American, Kyle Bennett, a close third.

But whether BMX biking makes a lasting impression on the psyche of the Olympics is another question left to be answered.