For the second consecutive year, the CyclingBC BMX development team headed down to Richland, WA. for the USA BMX Nationals. Along with coaches Mischa Partridge and James Palmer, a group of six riders made the trip to represent Cycling BC. Jayden Sheldrake and Adicus Bird were in attendance from Vancouver Island. Mainland riders Caleb Dobie, Chayce Cooper, Ryan Tougas and Jackson Juriga were also in the mix for the 11 boys, 12 girls, and 13 boys classes, respectively.
The team had no problem mastering the track in Friday practice, and were looking confident heading into racing on Saturday. The team had a great start to the weekend with all riders qualifying through their motos into their semifinals. Four riders made it out of their semis and advanced through to the main event. Some strong races in the final ended the day with three 2nd place finishes. Sunday was much of the same with Adicus, Caleb, and Ryan all repeating their 2nd place performances from the day before.
“I was really impressed with the level of composure and execution I saw this weekend,” said Coach James Palmer. “For a number of riders this was their first US National race and they all stayed focused on their own process and what they needed to do.” “It was great to see riders using both mental and physical race preparation skills they have practiced at each of our camps this year,” remarked Mischa Partridge.
The purpose of this project was to give riders valuable experience racing at an international event with a high level of competition. This event also provided a goal for the team to work towards at the end of the season. “I was very happy with both the preparation and performance on this project and definitely feel the team got what we were looking for out of the trip!” Mischa Partridge.
