The level is getting insane. First round of the FTO series at 040BMXPARK in Eindhoven, NL. By BdJ
It's fair to say that the level of BMX riders coming out of the Benelux hasn't been internationally known all too much with the exception of a few. Reason being, no place to "train". But with the 040BMXPARK in Eindhoven around, that has changed. Foam, resi, wood. You can take it step by step. Most importantly, there is an indoor place to ride now which is such a big help, especially in the wintertime when it's cold and wet and it gets dark at 5PM. "040" has been around for a few years and the level doesn't go up in a few weeks, but after a couple of years of riding and riders pushing and helping eachother you can see the difference.
Especially people who had not seen the riders for a couple of years were pleasantly surprised. Not only the pro class impressed, the ams were ripping too. Flipping the box at age 11 (Jari Roggeveen) is unreal. Doing high barspin airs and tailwhips at age 15 (Roby Burggrave) is becoming 'normal'. It's so awesome to see this happening.
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.