Airdrie BMX to host provincial championships this weekend

AIRDRIE:  The Airdrie BMX Association is inviting members of the public to come out and take in some fast and furious action when it hosts its all ages Provincials 5 and 6 championships this weekend in Fletcher Park.

“We will have high attendance with riders from all around Alberta,” explained Dani Diaz, marketing chair for the Airdrie BMX board. “We expect there to easily be 500 riders plus spectators … We have kids as young as four years-old riding up until our developing professionals, so it’s all ages.”

But the provincial championships are not just a chance for local riders to shine on their home turf, explained Diaz. Rather, the event is intended as a whole festival that celebrates BMX for the entire community to enjoy.

“There will be food trucks and some vendors, and it’s open to the public,” Diaz confirmed. “We would love people to come down and watch … We would love to have some (aspiring) riders come out to see what BMX is about, and what it would look like to join a season. We do let people come and borrow a bike to ride for free, and try things out.”

Diaz promised fast-paced action and high flying jumps at the senior levels, which will get spectators' blood stirring this weekend.

“I have talked to many people who don’t know there is BMX in Airdrie,” she explained. “So this tournament is a way for us to get known in the community. The more people who come out, the better it is for our club and riders.”

While the provincial tournament is intended to showcase the best of the BMX world that both Airdrie and Alberta have to offer, Diaz said the association holds regular race nights every Tuesday – and those are also always open to the public.

“The Airdrie BMX community is small and close-knit, and we would love to get more people aware of (the sport),” she said. “We also host race nights every Tuesday, and those are open to the public to watch as well.

“But obviously, on a provincial weekend, we have a lot more riders and a lot more going on.”

For more information on Airdrie BMX Association’s Provincial 5 and 6 championship tournament this weekend, and local club membership, visit airdriebmx.ca.

Race times for the provincial tournament start at 10:15 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, and end at 4 p.m. There is no charge to attend.

The Airdrie BMX Association track is located in Fletcher Park at 240 1st Ave. N.W.