First GBR BMX Freestyle National Series launched to pave the way for future Olympic success

Mar 31, 2022

Written by Bart de Jong

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Following breakthrough successes at last summer’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, British Cycling can today announce the dates and venues for the organisation’s first BMX Freestyle National Series and 2022 BMX Freestyle National Championships, working alongside experienced event organisers Backyard Jam. With an ambition to harness the inspiration of Charlotte Worthington and Declan Brooks’ inspiring performances in Tokyo and support more people to ride, compete in and watch the discipline, the six-round series will take place from April to October, with rounds in England, Scotland and Wales, and with categories for elite riders, amateurs and youth riders aged from 4-14.

Riders will have the opportunity to compete in both Park and Street categories, with national series winners and national champions crowned over the weekend of 22-23 October at Adrenaline Alley in Corby, home to the Great Britain Cycling Team freestyle park squad.

Declan Brooks, bronze medallist at the Tokyo Olympic Games, said: “It’s been great to see the

awareness and interest in BMX freestyle grow since last summer’s Olympic Games, and through the new series riders of all ages and abilities will now be able to take part on the same ramps as the country’s best riders, and experience the thrill of live competition. I’m excited to watch freestyle keep growing as we head towards Paris and I know that there is a huge amount of work going on to bring new riders into the sport. It’s an incredible community to be a part of and there’s never been a better time to get involved.”

The series is one of a number of long-term steps being taken by British Cycling to support the growth of BMX freestyle, with recruitment now also underway for a BMX Freestyle Talent Development Coach to establish a progressive pipeline for talented young riders, with further roles to follow in the near future.

Through the Places to Ride facility investment fund, delivered in partnership with Sport England and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, more than £1 million of investment has so far been made in BMX freestyle facilities across five sites, three of which will play host to rounds in the national series.

All of this work is being supported by a group of volunteer experts on the organisation’s first BMX Freestyle Commission, who bring with them a wealth of experience and knowledge, and are now supporting the development of British Cycling’s first long-term plan for the discipline.

Cycling Delivery Director at British Cycling, Dani Every, said: “Our BMX freestyle riders captivated the nation last summer with their incredible bravery, talent and determination, and the announcement of our first BMX Freestyle National Series is another landmark moment as we look to build on that success, grow the freestyle community and invest in the grassroots of the sport. With the support of our Commission members and the wider BMX freestyle Community we’ve learned a huge amount in a short space of time, and we’re excited to continue our work alongside them now as we develop our long-term plan for the discipline, spanning talent, coaching, clubs, education, facilities and major events. I’m thrilled that we’re able to take the events to venues across Britain alongside the team at Backyard Jam, giving riders and fans the opportunity to be enthralled by our Olympic heroes and the country’s brightest young talent.”

Chair of the British Cycling BMX Freestyle Commission, Harry Tucker, said: “The BMX Freestyle National Series is going to be a fantastic opportunity for all riders to take their skills to a competitive level. The categories within each event ensure everyone is included and provided with a chance to showcase their talent. It is also brilliant that British Cycling has teamed up with Backyard Jam to make this happen. The Backyard Jam team have an outstanding history of organising some of the UK’s biggest and best BMX freestyle events to date, so for the national series to be launched with them is really exciting.”

BMX Freestyle National Series calendar:

Round 1, Asylum Skatepark, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Saturday 9 April.
Round 2, Rampworld, Cardiff, Saturday 14 May.
Round 3, Deeside, Saturday 25 June.
Round 4, Unit 23, Dumbarton, Saturday 23 July.
Round 5, Junction 4, Darwen, Saturday 6 August.
Round 6, Adrenaline Alley, Corby, Saturday 22 October.