Name: Nadja Pries
Number in Rio: 53
Country: Germany
Result: Semi Final
With 4 years to get ready for the 2016 Olympics, Liam Philips was in the best position in his life to do so, up until 8 weeks before the Rio Games. Liam talks about the disappointment of not being able to race, but as he always does, he's moved on, making strides, and getting ready for the 2017 season. Part 3 concludes the ride to Rio, but gives us insight and a look into Liam's personal life as well. Enjoy!
Earlier this year, Wisconsin-based BMX startup, Throdwn, launched a fresh line of titanium BMX Racing frames and cranks. The line sold-through Dan’s Comp, and if you were walking the pits at the USA BMX Grands, you would have seen more than a few heading to staging. Throughout Grands weekend, visitors to the Throdwn pit got a first-look at our new aluminum frame. Now, we’re stoked to show it off to FATBMX readers.
Name: Yoshitaku Nagasako
Number in Rio: 993
Country: Japan
Result: 1/4 finals, 12th in TT
"The important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win, but to take part; the important thing in Life is not triumph, but the struggle; the essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."
Update 12-1-16. For more detailed info on Sam's rehab and to support his recovery go to www.strengthfor91.com
Increased Participation, Biggest Global Field and Highest Attendance in the History of USA BMX’s Grand National
The 2016 USA BMX Grand National presented by Tulsa Sports Commission concluded on Sunday setting multiple records for the sport and the event. For the 19th consecutive year, the much-anticipated Grands returned to Tulsa for a record-setting weekend where more than 2,900 riders from 21 different countries participated in the year-end event.
All three USA BMX National number one title holders held on to their pro #1 plates as this weekend’s event concludes the BMX racing season. Alise Post (St. Cloud, MN) not only repeated her championship title, but she set a new record for nine total cups (4 as an amateur, 5 as a pro). Cristian Becerine (Argentina), who was the first South American to ever win a USA BMX Championship,
Name: Merle van Benthem
Number in Rio: 75
Country: The Netherlands
Result: Semi final
How big was your struggle even making it to the Olympics?
Merle: To be honest it was a pretty rough road to Rio. Had to deal with a fractured back, a torn ACL and a pretty bad concussion but once I made it, it was all worth it.
What were your personal goals two weeks before the Olympic race?
Merle: My goals were to medal.
How much different did the track look when you saw it for the first time?
Merle: The track looked a lot different during the Olympics than the first time we saw the track at the test event. Not just the green asphalt turns but the track looked way smoother and faster than during the test event.
How big was your team arond you in Rio? (mechanic, coach, nutrition, physio, family/friends, etc...)
Merle: My parents and brother came out to Rio to support. My best friend who is a Dutch track cyclist and other couple Dutch athletes were in the stands to support. And of course the Dutch staff.
BMX RACE - Pro Open Genève 2016 from Progressive Pictures
Name: CARLOS OQUENDO
Number in Rio: 566
Country: COLOMBIA
Result: 10
How tough was the competition in your country to get a spot on the Olympic team for Rio?
Carlos Oquendo: The tough moment was to keep the country spot.
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.