BMX World Championships Media Release

 No: bmx1022

21 July 2010

All on track for the greatest BMX course on earth
 
Pietermaritzburg – World renowned track builder Tom Ritzehthaler has assured BMX fans worldwide that the Royal Showgrounds track that is currently ahead of schedule, will be the best racing track on the planet.

The 42 year old Ohio is entrusted by the international cycling federation (UCI) to sculpt the track for the BMX Worlds each year, and he expects the unique Pietermaritzburg layout to quickly earn the respect of the riders.

"It takes BMX racing to a whole new level in terms of endurance and toughness," he said in a rare break from the long hours at the helm of his power-roller and earthmoving machines.

"This track is over 380 metres long, while the usual track length is around 310 metres," said the likeable American, which was himself a competitive BMX racer before being co-opted by the UCI as their premier track builder.

"The first straight has elements of speed and power, but it is the second straightway that will be technical," he added.

The track is unique as it is the first track to feature separate straights and start ramps for the elite riders, and has been designed to introduce new technical challenges for the riders.

Ritzenthaler builds each track together with 27 year old Canadian Kyle Michell, who was also a top BMX racer. "It's critical that we both raced. That way we know exactly what the riders expect from each jump, and on each section of the course."

"A great course is not just about power," says Ritzenthaler. "To succeed a rider needs to have to think, and plan every inch of the race, then combine speed and power with that thought process."

The duo formed their unique track building tag-team after working together to build the course for the Victoria World Champs in Canada in 2007.

They have hand-picked red clay soil found near Tweedie for the track in the main arena at the Royal Agricultural Showgrounds in Pietermaritzburg. "It's perfect," said Ritzenthaler. "It compacts down really hard till its almost like concrete, and its easy to shape."

Ritzenthaler seemed destined to a career building BMX Tracks, after growing up in a family that lived and worked at a BMX track in Ohio in the seventies. "My dad taught me how to build a track and make changes to it," says Ritzenthaler.

He has seen the sport go through highs and lows, and feels that it is on a very positive growth curve at the moment. "BMX is going crazy over in Europe, while it is kinda levelled out in the US," he says

It has taken a six truck fleet three days of non-stop ferrying to get the nine tons of red clay into the showgrounds, ready to be shaped by Ritzenthaler and Michell.

While Ritzenthaler and Michell sculpt the track, riggers are building the two side-by-side start ramps. The elite riders drop off a massive eight metre high start ramp, while a more forgiving five metre ramp will be used by the other classes.

The UCI BMX World Championships takes place at the Royal Showgrounds in Pietermaritzburg from 29 July to 1 August. More information can be found at www.bmxworldchampspmb.co.za

Dave Macleod/
Gameplan Media

Dave Macleod/
Gameplan Media

Dave Macleod/
Gameplan Media