'The Big Show' Academy BMX

Written on the 11 May 2017 by SWSAS

Eighteen weeks has passed since eleven of our region's best Bicycle Moto X (BMX) riders committed themselves to a structured training program designed to refine their strengths,  expose and develop their weaknesses, build their confidence and deliver them to the start line at National Titles as stronger, faster, further polished racers. It has actually been quite a challenge with 'terrible' Tuesday being squad day.

The South West Sydney Academy of Sport (SWSAS) group meet at the Macarthur BMX facility at Elderslie for weekly group sessions.

Three weeks out of four, it was above forty degrees on Tuesday, then as the heat decided to back off the rain moved in! Rain is the worst, the 'track closed' sign comes out, plan B is enacted. 

Regardless the weather, the experience of the coaches and trainer meant, 'the show must go on' and to the credit of the riders, they were always there, ready to learn. All riders have improved against standardised testing conducted within the program. One of the female riders improved her 'time trial' lap by two and a half seconds which when converted to metres is massive!

Six riders have qualified for the National Titles with three of these hopeful, of gaining a start in a final.

In the 'Helter Skelter' world of BMX racing, once in the finals, anything can happen! National Titles are being held from the 23rd until the 30th April at the Sleeman Super X complex in Brisbane. The Academy riders will hopefully be comfortable returning to this venue.

They completed a 'reconnaissance' camp in early March as part of their SWSAS program. Every track is unique, there are certain criteria that must be met but the variables are many. The Sleeman track is a National standard track, meaning amongst other things; it has an eight metre start hill. The SWSAS squad also had a training day at the Bathurst track, again, experience on the big hill.

Last Tuesday was the last official training session for this group and it was quite the evening. The sun went down, the lights came on but I don't think the riders even noticed. They were otherwise engaged. Solo 'Hot laps'! Against the clock, no excuses! The start gate dropped time and time again as these youngsters gave it their best. Coach Kiel Dellow recorded all the improvements on his whiteboard; the excitement of improvement was contagious and as they moved onto the grass for cool down it became apparent that all involved were happy with the accomplishments.

It was quite the community event as parents and siblings gathered to wish all participants well. Well known servant to the sport, Macarthur BMX Club President Fred Furner who doubled as squad manager during the inaugural SWSAS BMX season made a brief speech acknowledging the exceptional contributions made by Head Coach Kiel Dellow, Assistant Coach Josh Wilde and Conditioning Coach Karen Mathews.

"Your dedication, enthusiasm and care for athlete - first class. On behalf of everyone here tonight, I want to thank you". Fred then proceeded to present the SWSAS staff with gifts including cards signed by all the riders.

Good luck on the big stage. Go SWSAS BMX!

For information regarding Academy programs visit www.swsas.org.au or call 4627 7622.