BIKE BIZ interview

Here's a copy of a recently published short piece BIKE BIZ did with me on the future of bmx racing in this country.

Boom time ahead for BMX

MIKE PARDON is deeply embedded in the UK BMX scene. From alansbmx.com, the BMX store to Action Sports Coaching, a BMX coaching business, the former British BMX freestyle champion is one of the key shapers of BMX racing.

Pardon said:

"BMX is just so accessible, bikes are cheap, really durable, look great and most kids want to learn how to skid, jump and wheelie. The video game market and whole action sports industry has helped. The amount of exposure is increasing daily."

Pardon believes that BMX will never cease breeding generations of cycle hungry kids but there needs to be more joined-up thinking to keep the scene vibrant.

"Manufacturers, clubs and British Cycling now have a responsibility to become more active and hook up with cycle retailers to offer introductory sessions. Everyone who buys a bike, be it a race bike or street bike, should be given information on local facilities, tracks, skate parks and getting coaching. There are more tracks being built almost very week."
"Not every child these days wants to play traditional sports and not every kid gravitates towards team ideals. Most young people know Dave Mirra and Tony Hawk and it's only right that schools are now actively looking towards putting BMX and skateboarding as part of their curriculum. BMX riding is an ideal release of energy and can be done as a team or individual activity."

will get a big boost next year when BMX racing is introduced at the Olympics.

"There's going to be a real growth in the sport and retailers have to be ready," said Pardon.

For Pardon himself, the Olympics could be a chance to boost his own profile in the sport.

"My goal would to be at the Olympics in either a media or coaching capacity. I’ve done a fair bit of TV and radio work during my career and did some co-commentary for Cycling.tv on the British BMX championships in August. The media opportunities are opening up all the time. I’ve been sending my CV around. The BBC has expressed an interest."

IBDs looking to increase their BMX offerings should start by stocking racing BMXes, not just street, said Pardon.

"Shops should try one or two race bikes. Put one in the window, you'll be surprised how much interest it gets. To this new generation racing a BMX bike is a brand new thing, they have no idea that's where it started."

Alansbmx is also the UK distributor for Supercross and Avent frames, Tangent number plates and Bombshell parts.

http://www.actionsportscoaching.com/ http://www.alansbmx.com/