It was a significant milestone in the history of BMX cycling when BMX cross made its debut at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and in 2020 Freestyle BMX was added to the Olympic programme. These two events opened a new chapter for the sport and had a major impact on the popularity and global recognition of BMX, as well as on the rules and structure of the sport.
Pump tracks and Olympic BMX sports, such as BMX cross and freestyle BMX, are closely linked, as the pump track plays a vital role in preparing riders and teaching them the technical basics of the sport. While pump tracks are not officially an Olympic event, they are increasingly seen as an important part of the future of BMX, and some are already speculating that pump tracks could become an Olympic sport themselves. The link between pump tracks and BMX is worth exploring in more detail, as they are not only fun, but also essential for the technical development of BMX.
BMX cross tracks, which are also seen at the Olympic Games, are often long, fast, technical tracks that feature a variety of terrain, jumps, turns and obstacles. Competitors combine speed and skill to battle their rivals for the top step of the podium.
Pump tracks are a smaller, simplified version of BMX cross tracks, where users use different terrain elements, waves, jumps and climbs to “pump” their movement.
Pumping is a fundamental technical element of the sport, allowing riders to ‘pump’ themselves up, i.e. gain speed, by taking advantage of the undulations of the track, rather than pedalling during their movement, without the need for constant pedalling.
This pumping motion also plays a key role in BMX cross races, where riders are able to make optimal use of the elements on the track, allowing them to go faster without wasting energy.
The pumping track therefore serves as a kind of mini training track where riders can master and develop this technical base, which is also essential for Olympic BMX cross races.
Because of their simplicity and small size, pump tracks are an ideal place for beginners and advanced BMX riders to practice movements and dynamics in a safe environment, which they can later apply at high speeds and on more complex tracks. Many Olympians and coaches also stress that training on pump tracks helps technical development and is essential for riders to be able to effectively tackle the complex challenges of BMX cross tracks later on.
On freestyle BMX tracks, riders perform tricks on different obstacles such as half pipes, barriers and various ramps. Pump tracks also often use similar elements such as waves, jumps and multi-coloured track elements, which can form the basis of freestyle BMX.
Pump tracks typically have simpler obstacles, but they can also help freestyle BMX riders learn basic moves, jumps and tricks. Exercises on the tracks, such as pumping, are essential for freestyle BMX riders as they help riders achieve stability and speed while performing tricks in the air.
Pump tracks therefore provide not only the technical foundation for BMX cross, but also the foundation for freestyle BMX riders to perform creative and spectacular moves.
Pump tracks offer highly spectacular, dynamic and technical competitions that are not only exciting for the participants, but can also be attractive to the public. The competitions allow participants to show their skills with fast-paced speed, jumps and tricks, while fatigue and endurance are key.
As pump tracks have so far mostly been present at local events, they have yet to make their debut on the Olympic stage. However, many sport enthusiasts and experts believe that pump track could be the next big step in the history of Olympic BMX.
The popularity of pump tracks is growing and more and more venues are being built worldwide. The technical elements, the spectacular competition and the physical challenges are all contributing to pump tracks gaining recognition as a sport.
Considering that these BMX sports are already included in the Olympic program, pump tracks as a stand-alone event are increasingly likely to become an Olympic sport in the future.
