A right turn leads you to several lines back to the big starting hill (elevated sea container). Next to the trails the pump track started off the day. Local kids and Max Zeiss (Cologne, Germany) signed up for the fun BMX race. 2 classes; below 8 and 8-12 years old. The finals were exciting. In the below 8 years old class Philip de Jong got the holeshot ("1 - 2 - GO!") but Shandro Verbaarschot cut him up from the inside on the first corner which made Philip crash. Shandro was gone for the win and Max got second. 
In the 8-12 years old class the finals were between Nando Verbaarschot, Dani van de Maat and Wilco van de Kerkhof. Wilco's quick start gave him the advantage. He won in front of Nando and Dani. Everyone who entered the race went home with a prize. The kids were happy. 
After this the focus changed to the trails. Practice was going on in full swing. Even before the comp started Bas Brouwer was on his way to the hospital with a dislocated collarbone. A bit later Daniel Wedemeijer followed him with a broken toe. Good luck and get well to both of them. The Prize Session was long, but with great prized to give out to anyone who did something good, the riders kept dragging their bikes up to that starting hill. And for good reason. 
A brand new Eastpak jacket for a tailwhip sounded good, or an X-up for a T-shirt, a flip for a backpack, clearing the three tables for a hoodie, you get the idea. Loads of stuff, donated by the generous sponsors ended up in the hands of those who showed up and rode all day. Bazelmans did a flip, Van den Bos did a frontie, Anel Lahifovic did a 3-whip, Sem Schonewille did nacnacs, and Dimitri pulled a candybar. Different prizes for all levels or riding on all the main lines. Barry Kohne had shown up in the Monster Truck and made sure everyone had plenty to drink. He got some riding in too. Some MTB guys showed up as well and joined the session. They mixed in well.
In short it was another day of BMX. Riding together is always more fun. It pushes to learn new tricks, and to get out and actually ride. How many of you stayed home when it rained in the morning? Should have, could have. Next time just go and make things happen. Till next year.
BdJ
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.