Up to 400 riders are expected to descend on the MegaDome this weekend for the Alberta Bicycle Association's first race of the 2012 BMX season.
“I'm hoping to see some people in Olds come out just to view (the races) because there's no admission fee to come out and watch. With the success of this one, we'll see one to two (provincial races) there every year,” said Dale Tuchscherer, indoor cycling centre project manager with the ABA.
Tuchscherer said with 13 tracks across the province, and four races held per year, one track will see a race about every three years. But with an indoor track in Olds, he expects the area to see one race every year.
“That's something that no other town gets and when you're bringing in 300-plus people with their families and everything, that does a lot for the community. We're just hoping to slowly start seeing some support from Olds,” he said.
The races themselves will begin at 11 a.m. to noon on Friday and continue through Sunday, with every skill level represented. Riders will range in age from about five up to adult with both males and females riding their bikes.
Tuchscherer said preparations are being made with the track and venue, setting up booths for suppliers and a staging area for cyclists prior to their races. If the weather cooperates, the cyclists will be staged outside, but if not, they will be staged in a facility adjacent to the MegaDome. Adding to the atmosphere, announcers will introduce the riders as they line up to race. Prizes will also be handed out to the best racers.
"I'm hoping to see some people in Olds come out just to view (the races) because there's no admission fee to come out and watch." Dale Tuchscherer, indoor cycling centre project manager, ABA
