Nearly 500 of the best BMX riders from across the country will be in Airdrie this weekend, as the city is set to host the 2010 nationals at its track beginning on Aug. 27.
Featuring competitors ages five to 45 and officially called the National Cycling Championships – BMX, the event will be held at Airdrie’s track Aug 27-29, with the finals running on the last two days.
Tim Croft, Airdrie BMX president, said the club and the track are both ready to host the prestigious event.
“The top riders in the country are going to be out at this race and this will be a good showcase for BMX,” he said. “The track is in awesome shape. Everything is looking good and we’re just working a couple minor cosmetic things. It’s really the final touches now.”
Croft says he expects between 1,500 and 2,000 spectators to watch and support the athletes from five provinces: Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, B.C. and Alberta.
“There’s really only five provinces that have registered riders, but that may expand in the next year or two,” he said. “And tracks aren’t awarded this race unless they can handle a race like this.”
There will be also be a number of local riders competing, including several defending national champions from a year ago.
“It’s a good chance for them to defend their titles on their home track,” Croft said. “It’s a big race. This is the biggest race in Canada that BMX has.”
Action begins at 5 p.m. on Aug. 27 with preliminary time trials, where both the junior and elite riders will position themselves for Saturday and Sunday’s finals.
