Bart de Jong
If you want to get a spot to watch the BMX events at the FISE in Montpellier, France, you better show up early. Before you know it there is no more empty spot on the riverbank or at the Spine mini to watch from. The FISE has always been an event about the crowd and it's safe to say that there is no other BMX contest on the schedule that draws more people. The multi sport event brings a BMX Flatland contest, BMX street comp, Spine contest and for the first year the official UCI BMX Freestyle Park World Cup was added to the program. Next to the regional contest, the FISE also pays attention to the amateurs classes, girls and masters, plus it's possible for any pro rider to sign up and compete. The event started on Wednesday and the last comp ended on Sunday 8 May.
A record breaker: On Thursday alone, 160.000 people found their way to the riverbed in Montpellier. It was a record breaker in the FISE books and already at Amateur Park in the morning the banks had filled up with people who wanted to see the riding on the park course. The first Pro final happened on Friday night. In front of the
UCI BMX Supercross #3 - Elite Women results Papendal, Netherlands
1 Laura SMULDERS NED 23 225 225
2 Caroline BUCHANAN AUS 26 195 195
3 Manon VALENTINO FRA 26 165 165
4 Judy BAAUW NED 22 155 155
5 Camille MAIRE FRA 22 145 145
6 Elke VANHOOF BEL 25 135 135
7 Merle VAN BENTHEM NED 24 125 125
8 Maria Gabriela DIAZ ARG 35 115 115
9 Brooke CRAIN USA 23
10 Yaroslava BONDARENKO RUS 19
11 Merel SMULDERS NED 18
12 Alise POST USA 25
13 Lauren REYNOLDS AUS 25
14 Simone CHRISTENSEN DEN 22
15 Axelle ETIENNE FRA 18
16 Amanda CARR THA 26
17 Melinda MCLEOD AUS 23
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.