Recently a group of 14 students made their way to the BMX track, which plays host to a number of competitions including a round of the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup. Where pro athletes will compete in groups of up to 8, clearing gap jumps of over 30 feet and soaring over 15 feet from the ground!

The group had a range of abilities from absolute beginner to some students who ride BMX every day, but everyone was keen to get on track and improve their skills.

Starting at ground level the students learnt how to rail the berms (corners), pump for speed and control their speed for the jumps. It wasn’t long before the students were making their way up the steps to the 5 metre high start ramp, engaging their front wheels in the start gate and making their way towards the first jump (30 feet from take-off to landing!).

Needless to say… no-one managed to clear the 30 foot jump, but everyone made it round the track safely. Bradley Walker was crowned best rider of the day whilst best crasher went to Callum Foster who suffered some minor abrasions from his ‘momentary lack of judgement’. Well done Callum and you know what they say; “If you’re not crashing – you’re not trying hard enough”

The group had lots of fun and came away with no serious injuries, as well as improving their bike handling skills and learning lots of good coaching practice from the excellent staff at the Cycling Centre.

“It was amazing, and just as scary! Despite falling off and scraping my leg I’ll definitely be going back” Jodie Wilson

“I had a great time. Big speed and big air, my skills have definitely improved!” Charlie Wray

Visit our Facebook page to see the gallery of images from the session here

If you want to find out more about BMX visit www.nationalcyclingcentre.com/bmx/  

The National Cycling Centre are holding the first round of the 2014 UCI BMX Supercross World Cup on the 18 and 19 of April, a fantastic opportunity to see the best riders in the world competing right here in Manchester.