To read about the DEVELOPMENT in BMX at the highest level, the Elite classes and within the World Cup/Supercross format, check this out:

Waalre, March 26th., 2016

An historical overview.

For some time now I had the plan to write an article about the developments/evolution in the sport of BMX at the highest National and International level within the UCI, in the Elite Women and Men classes. Also all the other BMX classes followed the development closely.

Background information.
Since BMX started as an organized sport in the USA in the early 1970's (1974 to be exact) and was spread over the worlds since 1980/81 by the I.BMX.F. (International BMX Federation) and from 1996 when the I.BMX.F. integrated into the UCI, big changes took place.

I think we have seen the following six (6) phases in the development of our BMX sport so far:
Phase 1, the pioneer periode from around < 1970 through 1979, mainly in the USA.
Phase 2, BMX start to spread over the world with help of among others, the I.BMX.F., 1980/81 through 1990.
Phase 3, the recoqnition of BMX as a official sport by the FIAC/UCI. A working together relationship started between I.BMX.F. ánd the FIAC from 1991 through 1995 with the intend to merge at a certain point and time.
Phase 4, merge of I.BMX.F ánd FIAC (bmx) into 1 organization, the UCI. A UCI BMX Comittee was formed. This happened in 1996 and is stil running.
Phase 5, BMX being recoqnized as an Olympic discipline from 2008 on. First Olympic Champs in Elite Men and Women during the 2008 Beijing – China Olympic Games.
Phase 6, BMX at the highest level developing towards an absolute top-sport from 2007 on. Meaning training technicaly (fitness and riding technique) as well as on track design etc. Facilities professionalized, governments supporting National BMX teams (since BMX became an Olympic discipline) etc.