After initially having to postpone the event due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Airdrie will be able to host a provincial BMX racing competition at the Airdrie BMX track in Fletcher Park from Sept. 10 to 12.
“This is all organized by volunteers,” said Kelsey Davidson, who is responsible for marketing for Airdrie BMX – a local non-profit club dedicated to the sport. “It is a huge honour when your track can host a competition like this.”
According to Davidson, the races are set to bring in approximately 400 riders and 1,000 visitors to Airdrie over the weekend.
The competition will be split up by age and ability, with some competitors as young as four years old showing off what they can do.
“It is a great opportunity for everyone to come watch,” Davidson said.
During the weekend event, riders will compete for trophies, along with standing points that can elevate them to higher-level competitions, such as national and world championships.
“Depending on where you qualify at the provincials, you can also qualify for the worlds,” Davidson explained. “There are quite a few opportunities. This is the largest competition in Alberta.”
With the scale of the event, Davidson said it is a great opportunity to come out and support the nearly 60 local riders who will be competing, along with enjoying the high energy of the races.
“Even though it is an individual sport, it is a team atmosphere,” she said. “You ride for yourself, but these local riders represent our track – it brings a sense of community.”
According to Davidson, Airdrie BMX has experienced an 80 per cent jump in new ridership this year, equalling around 60 new riders at the club. She added the majority of the new members are younger kids, new to the sport of BMX racing.
“We have a large new ridership, and they are all under the age of 10,” she said. “I think it stems from the pandemic, and from the parents being good role models.”
Airdrie BMX was hoping to have a section of their track fully repaired after a corner portion of the track sunk in late June on one of the corners. Davidson said it looks as though that will have to be an after-season project.
A mix between mother nature and constant weight on one of the corners caused the collapse, which was quickly repaired by local volunteers and contractors. While it is safe to ride, Davidson said a permanent fix will be a project the non-profit club will have to finish in the near future.
“Unfortunately, [the repair] won’t happen in time,” she said. “The corner collapsing cost us thousands of dollars, it will just have to take place after the season.”
The event will be open to the public, with no tickets necessary. Davidson hopes the community will come out and support the event and cheer on the local riders who will be competing.
The weekend will also feature food trucks, concessions, and raffle tables for people to take part in.
“Just find a parking spot or walk over to Fletcher Park and join the festivities,” she said.
Jordan Stricker, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @Jay_Strickz
