06.22.07 -BMX Nationals - Bromont hosts BMX Nationals

Montreal, June 22, 2007 – A 300-rider field is expected at the BMX Nationals scheduled for June 29 to July 1 at Bromont, Que. Canada’s top riders are ready to attack a revamped course at the National Cycling Centre in Bromont. The competition also serves as a tune-up for the world championships July 27-29 in Victoria.

Samantha Cools of Calgary is a heavy favourite in the women’s elite competition after posting a victory earlier this year at the ICU’s BMX Golden State National in Prunedale, California and a second place finish at the Victoria International.

A three-way battle is expected on the men’s side between Scott Erwood and Nick Goertzen of B.C., and Alberta’s Patrick Lebel.

A technical course

The Bromont course has been completely redesigned for the nationals. ‘’The course is very technical, much more technical than at the last nationals,’’ said Chantal Philie the BMX technical director for the Quebec Cycling Federation. ‘’The course builder was very creative and even built a jump on a turn. Only one rider can access that turn at a time if they plan to complete the jump,’’ Should be quite a show!

For spectators, the access and sightlines have been improved.

For all ages

Competitors will range in age from five to 55 for the 2007 Nationals. Philie says the sport is gaining steam with its inclusion in the 2008 Olympic Games program. She expects the popularity to grow even more after the Beijing Games. ‘’BMX got a real boost when it gained Olympic status and that has helped the federations build a strong structure for the sport. It’s inclusion in the Olympics will have a big impact on young people.’’

Junior and elite riders kick off the competition on Friday June 29 with two qualifying rounds that evening.