They ran the eliminations over night in early hours and will have the finals tonight (Wednesday 20th)in Prime Time...INSANE and exciting stuff on a terrific course. Grown men with little bikes at WARP 9...for the uninitiated there were some hellatious crashes...for the real race fan there was REAL racing. USA's top hope got in a bad wreck and may be out with injuries...Australia has a good shot at Gold as does Latvia. Woo Hoo!

My boys both raced BMX as lads and we all (as a family) got involved! Neither of mine stayed competitive into their teens but we sure had a ball while it lasted! Doug, do ya happen to know if a young man name Kris Mullhouse is competing? He's is a local Bako boy that has had HUGE success in the game but I've lost touch with his dad. Gonna have to check it out!

Mick

I saw some clips this morning and it was indeed WILD and COOL and worth watching.

But somehow I had some...uh...well...doubts about its inclusion as an Olympic sport.

Of course, I'm not gonna start singing Michael Jackson songs...I've learned THAT lesson.

Didn't hear the name that I recall.

http://www.nbcolympics.com/cycling/news/newsid=230268.html

That's about the Chullavista training center and there are vids too.

Jeff...the ADULT riders are dedicated to the sport and it's not just a hobby throwaway. It was acepted in 2003 for the 2008 Olympics. Since that time it has gained a big following world wide. The stamina and skills involved are of olympic stature...these are human powered machines just like any other cycling event. Watch it again...it can grow on you...it certainly is more exciting than a cross country I'll venture....what is also fun is the racers, to a person (there is a womens event as well), striving to put on a good show, so there is a huge entertainment value offered, like Beach Volley Ball. I think if you watch it, you'll lift a glass.

The outrageous course is also part of the show...the Chinese sure set the bar high as to venues!

I hear BMX has been rained out, at least for now.

The live coverage I have is showing rain storms over the course.

Olympic BMX, huh?

Next year, Olympic Foosball and Olympic Paintball.

Why is it any different than other bike riding contest?

Magicsanta, exactly...it's much more exciting and in your face competitive for one, with environmental monkey wrenches thrown in. It's a hard core RACE rather than one that just meanders relying on endurance.

Liken it to Snowboarding I guess...seen as an upstart. If it clicks, you might see the addition of freestyle with double flip ramp jumps.

Also unlike Softball, the US will probably not dominate as here is some serious BMX programs in many countries. South Africa could very well Medal as might Latvia.
Fearless talent required.

Yes it did get rained out...they say it will be in tomorrow nights Primetime show.

http://www.nbcolympics.com/cycling/news/......+weather

Perspective on the buzz.