Not strictly Isle of Wight news, but this may appeal to those interested in BMX racing.
If you are a Radio4 listener, you might have heard a discussion with Ayesha McLelland and Julian Allen on the Today programme this morning.
Ayesha McLelland, is an 18 year old BMX (Bicycle Motocross) rider, who trains just over the water at Gosport BMX. She’s been riding for the last four years and was joined on the programme by Julian Allen, an old pro who’s been racing BMXs for over 20 years, to talk about Team GB’s hopes of bumping up the tally of cycling medals in the Olympics this week.
Representing Team GB
Team GB has Liam Phillips and Shanaze Reade representing them later today.
Having made its debut in Beijing in 2008, this is only the second time that BMX has featured in the Olympic Games.
40 second seeding races
The seeding runs take place this afternoon (Wednesday) when competitors will have to complete the short track (450m for men and 440m for women) which is built up with jumps, bumps and tightly banked corners. They start on an 8m high ramp (pictured) and the races whizz by in about 40 seconds.
There’s loads more info about the sport on the London 2012 Website, but we thought we’d include their jargon-buster here for when you’re watching the races.
Berm – a banked corner
Bunny-hop – to lift both wheels off the ground at once
Gate – the start of the BMX Track
Holeshot – the first rider to take the lead after the start
Whoop – a small, wave-like bump in the track
Best of luck to Team GB, we’ll be watching with interest.
