Since 2008, a new sport has been included in the Summer Olympic Games program - BMX. This is one of the most popular extreme entertainment in the United States, while in Russia it is just beginning to gain momentum.
The name BMX comes from the English phrase Bicycle Motocross, it is a stunt ride on special bicycles. This sport is not suitable for everyone, since it requires good coordination and serious physical preparation.
For BMX, special small bicycles are used, with a wheel diameter of only 20 inches (about 50 cm). At the same time, bicycles for BMX are quite heavy (aluminum alloy is most often used), this is necessary so that the frame does not burst from a strong impact upon landing. The steering wheel rotates freely around its axis, there are special brakes and pegs (leg supports when performing tricks).
The track for BMX is shorter than for competition on road bikes, but it is equipped with numerous obstacles in the form of hills. It is a ring 350-450 meters long, with at least 10 obstacles and at least 4 bends, the track width is 6-8 meters.
It is possible to train in large cities only in specially designated places; this sport is well developed in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Saransk and 11 other cities of Russia. For example, in Moscow there is an opportunity to practice in Golyanovo (Losiny Ostrov natural park), SnezhKom Street Park, Kant Skate Park, Pokrovsky-Streshnevo, Smotrovaya (Vorobyovy Gory), Oleshki (in Izmailovsky Park) …
BMX is a rather traumatic sport, so athletes need special equipment. Elbow pads, knee pads, shells, helmets are required. However, experienced masters rarely get injured - young impatient athletes who want to quickly master complex tricks and jumps are most susceptible to this.
To get to the Summer Olympics, an athlete must show good results in the national standings, the European Championship, and the World Championship. In addition, training camps and intermediate competitions are held.
