The LSC Schools BMX Competition was a huge success!
We had our Schools BMX Competition at the start of February, 20 pupils from 4 schools attended for a brilliant afternoon of coaching and competition. Our Schools Competitions happen each half term, this time we headed to the HSBC National Cycling Centre to hit their BMX track!
Chorlton Park Primary, Chapel Street Primary, Greenbank Preparatory and Crab Lane travelled to meet us in Clayton with teams of boys and girls. Last year our BMX Competition was at the outdoor Platt Lane facility and we had such good feedback we thought it’d be great for the children this time to step it up a level! The indoor track is international standard with the only 8 metre start hill in the UK, leading into a brilliant technical layout suitable for beginners but testing for the more experienced riders.
The afternoon started with the riders getting kitted up. They were sized up for the right size BMX bike and fitted with helmets and pads, before being shown a couple of basics and receiving and safety briefing. You could just about see the excitement/nerves on their faces through the helmets!
Next up the children were shown some basic techniques, splitting into two group and practising coming out of the rhythm sections and into the berms. Try and stay high around the berms to generate more speed, but hold your line if someone’s close to undertaking you!
It was onto the rhythm section next where the riders were coached on the technique of pumping – trying to maintain speed through the constant bumps without having to pedal. Make sure you keep your pedals level to avoid them hitting the floor!
Soon enough the riders were completing full laps and they were ready for competition time. We graded the riders into two different levels (A final & B final) and it was onto the start hill! It was fantastic to see all riders at all levels not only enjoying themselves but getting something from it as well. Some pupils seemed determined to get round as soon as possible, taking all the pointers on board and getting the winning run. Others really faced their fears and what initially seemed impossible became possible, with bravery and some great encouragement from teachers and coaches.
After two tense final runs (see our Facebook page for live footage!) it was presentation time. We congratulated each and every participant for the massive amounts of effort they’d put in and for what they’d each achieved. We had a special mention and a trophy for our fastest boy and fastest girl.
We also gave out medals to our 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed riders in the A and B finals, as well as a shield for the school with the best placed riders in the A final.
Everyone was full of thanks and all the pupils went home buzzing! A massive thank you to all schools and staff for attending and giving the chance for the children to have a go, achieve something and hopefully be inspired!
Due to the success and popularity of the event we’re hoping to get back to the NCC in the summer and adding a second BMX competition to our annual programme!
Our partner schools and other schools in their cluster are invited to all our Schools Competitions via email. If you or your child’s school don’t get an invite, but you interested in finding out more, contact jon.green@littlesportscoaching.co.uk.
