January 22, 2008 (Chula Vista, CA) – It was a historic moment as officials from USA Cycling, the City of Chula Vista, the Olympic Center and handful of US ‘Olympic Hopeful’ athletes took part in the opening ceremony for the US Olympic Training Center. The soiree included TV interviews, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and even a short demonstration on the track. What made the event even more thrilling was the collection of old-schoolers in attendance including former NBL Pro Champion, Stu Thomsen, Toby Henderson, Perry ‘PK Kramer’, Anthony Sewell and many others.

The track, built by Tom Ritzenthaler, features a 26-foot high starting hill and the overall length is 370 metres for the women and 390 for the men. The 2nd and 3rd straights are split so that the men and women take different sides. The men actually jump over the berm in turn two and continue on through a tough pro section. The course is a replica of the 2008 Olympic track in Beijing, China. The track surface is layered with Soiltac which helps prevent erosion and aids with run-off. Ritzenthaler also built the Olympic Track in Beijing and this will provide the US with an advantage in preparations for the games.

Mike Day, Kyle Bennett, Donny Robinson, Steven Cisar and Arielle Martin gave the crowd a short demo during a blustery afternoon in Chula Vista. A handful of other US athletes were on hand but sat out the demo due to injury.

Media from Sports Illustrated, NBC and many local affiliates kept the cameras rolling on athletes and officials. A big day for BMX!