January 13, 2004 – UCI is launching a major world-wide development plan for BMX for the coming years. UCI is aiming to increase the numbers of tracks, licensed riders and countries involved in BMX. UCI will offer its member federations several tools to achieve the set goals; National federations will receive an extensive track building guide including the possibility of technical track-building assistance. Furthermore UCI is producing a training/coaching development guide as well as introducing a UCI BMX High-level training program leading up to the 2008 Olympics. Please contact the UCI office for more information, e-mail; bmx@uci.ch

UCI BMX High-level training

In April 2004, the UCI is introducing the first high-level training program for BMX, leading up to the XXIX Olympics in Beijing, China 2008. National Federations will be invited to send athletes and trainers to the World Cycling Centre to take part of the first high-level BMX training course of its kind.

From 9th to the 23rd April, 2004, Michel Lalande will lead a group of 15 athletes and five coaches in an extensive training and educative program for BMX. The high-level program is directly aimed to young athletes with the goal to become champions. The course will also include a training program for coaches that wish to develop their coaching skills.

The high-level BMX program will be repeated and possibly extended in 2005-2008, featuring long term courses that will be included in the regular training program at the World Cycling Centre. Future courses will be funded through the solidarity programmes of the UCI and possibly the International Olympic Committee.