July 13, 2004 – UCI World Continental Ranking: The UCI World Continental Ranking is coming to an end on all four continents. This year the number of events has increased to 10 races on each continent counting for UCI ranking points, which makes it easier for riders to be competitive in the overall ranking. Each rider will bring their top seven results/points to the UCI BMX World Championships in Valkenswaard, Netherlands where the UCI World Ranking will be decided. A new feature for this year is that the overall world ranking progress can be viewed under “Global Rankings 2004”. In its initial (testing) phase is also the “Global Nations Ranking 2004”, which in the future will serve as selection criteria for the 2008 Olympics. To view the current ranking, visit; http://www.vitesseonline.it/uci/bmx/online/

Latin America ranking The continental ranking in Latin America coming to an end, Fernando Gomes Silveira (BRA) finished first with 75 points, followed by Gonzalo Ureta (CHI) and Christian Gaete (CHI).

Angelines Nicoletta (CHI) came out on the top of the Women’s ranking with 46 points. Kimmy Diquez (VEN) finished second.

North American ranking After the smoke cleared in North America, two riders ended up on top of the leader board of the continental ranking with 72 points, Kyle Bennett (USA) and Randy Stumpfhauser (USA). Bennett took the win since he had more race wins (3). Jason Richardson (USA) ended up 3rd, edging out Matt Pohlkamp (USA).

Kimberely Hayashi (USA) has totally dominated the Elite Women class in North America, collecting the maximum of 84 points. Arielle Martin (USA) finished second, closely followed by Jamie Lilly (USA).

Oceanic ranking. Luke Madill (AUS) came out on top taking 4 race wins and a total of 72 points. Michael Robinson (AUS) showed great consistency, collecting the runner-up spot in with 68 points, followed by Kahlen Young (AUS) with 50 points.

Alice Rika (NZL) collected three race wins during the Oceanic series, which was enough to be declared the Oceanic ranking winner. She was followed by Emma Franklin (AUS)) and Krystal Cranfield (AUS).

European ranking The European ranking has come to an end with the European BMX Championships finals in Klatowy, Czech Rebublic. Thomas Allier (FRA) came out on top together with Michal Prokop (CZE), Allier had more wins and edged out the ever present Prokop, which has also dominated the 4X discipline in the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup.

Willy Kanis (NED) has totally dominated the Elite Women ranking in Europe, collecting the maximum of 83 points (7 races counts – 7 wins). Jana Horakova (CZE) finished second with Cyrielle Convert (FRA) in third.

May 15, 2004 – BMX Track Building Seminar: 15 representatives from 8 countries attended the UCI Track Building Seminar that was held on the 12th of April. In the morning discussions where held about the general development of BMX, which everyone found interesting. After lunch, the UCI official track builder Tom Ritzenthaler & Mark Hildebrand got into details of how to design and construct a BMX track. The seminar ended with everyone examine the World Cycling Centre BMX track, where the participants of the UCI BMX high-level training showed of their skills and gave all a useful insight how different obstacles can be negotiated. Following the track building seminar, the UCI Track Building Guide CD/R will be finalized by the end of May, and be available through all National Federations.

UCI BMX High-level training The UCI has successfully organised its initial stage in developing a high-level training program for BMX, leading up to the XXIX Olympics in Beijing, China 2008. The initial course was held 10-23 April 2004, where Michel Lalande was leading a group of six athletes and four coaches from around the world. The course attendees were making full use of the purpose build World Cycling Centre, with the world-class BMX track, the velodrome and gym facilities. Among the athletes was the 2003 Junior World Champion, Samantha Cools (CAN), who was very satisfied with the training and the opportunity to train under these ideal circumstances.

The high-level program is directly aimed to young athletes with the goal to become champions. The UCI will in 2005 extend the course over a 4-month period, where 10 athletes will be trained under the supervision of Michel Lalande and his competent staff of coaches. Please visit www.uci.ch for a photo report.

UCI BMX Supercross The first round of the UCI BMX Supercross series was successfully held in Woodward West, CA (USA) in the first weekend of May. The riders were greeted with a downhill track shaped and groomed to perfection by the UCI track building crew, Tom Ritzenthaler and Mark Hildebrand. The excellent conditions gave all the riders a boost of confidence over the massive and technical jumps, and they where able to bring downhill racing from one-lane racing to a full on elbow-to-elbow racing. The semi finals and final were truly some of the most exciting BMX races seen in many years. Be sure to check the UCI website for TV-listings and don't miss the upcoming BMX Supercross TV-show. For full race report and results, please visit www.uci.ch