UK Legend Rob Indri 10 Years Ago Since He Passed Away
Its been 10 years this weekend since Rob passed away. We still miss you Indri!
UK Legend Rob Indri 10 Years Ago Since He Passed Away
Its been 10 years this weekend since Rob passed away. We still miss you Indri!
ABA Sooner Nationals Webcast Jan 23rd & 24th
Starting Saturday, January 23rd, GO211 is webcasting the ABA Sooner Nationals LIVE from Guthrie, Oklahoma. The racing action begins at 11:30 am (est). Day 2 of racing starts Sunday at 9:00 am (est).
To watch the LIVE webcast visit:
:: go211.com/ababmx/abasoonernationals2010 ::
Reno
Last week myself and Tony D took a little road trip up to Reno for the season opener. Good weekend all around. Connor and Kyle got some wins in, which was cool. Cristian was looking good to win on Saturday, but a for little pimp in turn 1, taking him and Kyle down in the final costing them both podiums. Frustrating weekend for Big C for sure as again he was going well on Sunday but got stuck with lane 8 all day. Still, Kyle winning Sunday was great for us, especially with TV in the house.
Marco came over from the UK to work on some Stay Strong stuff with Stephen and even managed to make the Vet main on Saturday in his first Vet run.
:: staystrong.co.uk ::
I did manage to get pulled over 2 times during the weekend for speeding, but managed to talk myself out of both deals. Sometimes helps with an accent, playing it tourist! ha ha Still, good start to the season.
World Championship Results Book
World Championships
Have you ever made the final at the World Championships? Or do you know someone who has? If you do then BMX Racing World Championship Results 1978 - 2009 is the book for you.
After much research Paull McLaughlin from Australia has compiled the results for EVERY CLASS from EVERY WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS ever run. Finalists are listed in age groups along with his or her country. The booklet is over 100 pages and results cover:
IBMXF: 1982 - 1990
IBMXF / FIAC: 1991 - 1995
UCI: 1996 - 2009
OLYMPICS: 2008
Elite male, female and cruiser world champions listed by year
This is a wonderful trip down memory lane for all old schoolers as well as an awesome reference for individuals, clubs and associations interested in the history of BMX. Those that have already bought a copy of this booklet include Eric Rupe, Dale Holmes, Rob de Wilde, Gerrit Does and Jerry Landrum.
The booklet costs just $AUS25 (excludes postage). Payment methods include cash, cheque, money order and electronic transfer. Email Paull at bmx74@yahoo.com.au to organise a copy to be sent out to you today.
ABA Grands on TV
ABA Grands TV Show - Commentators Craig Reynolds and Dale Holmes.
Happy New Year
Hope everyone had a good Christmas and New Year. Pretty mellow here. Relaxed at home, went to Disney Land with the Murrays, which was fun. Rode my road bike a lot, which has been a nice way to keep in some kind of shape. It's pretty crazy, I have not touched my BMX since the NBL Grands. So I guess it's the longest time in 25 years I've not ridden BMX, and to be honest I'm not really missing the actual racing part. I'm enjoying it a lot more as a fan from the sidelines, alongside supporting the Team as best I can at the events.
I did just get our 2010 frame so I guess it's time to build it up and have a play around.
2009 was a great year for Free Agent, we really started pointing in the right direction, the guys in house are super stoked on the program and we just got the green light to do more in 2010, which I'm stoked about.
I think with Maris coming in, Cristian and Kyle really stepped it up as well. Cristian had another great year with some big wins and I think Kyle has just proved once again how good he really is, winning the last 4 major races in a row, which included the Grands!
We're changing the Teams around a little for 2010. We will have the main US based Team and then on a separate deal an International Team as well. Full line up and sponsors should be all confirmed in the next few weeks. I'm pretty stoked with what we have got going for the year.
AA/Elite racing is as deep as ever right now. The Olympic vibe for London has already started. TV is back for 2010 thanks to the ABA and I'm really looking forward to the season ahead.
Some old Old/New Pics I got on Face Book.
THE STAY STRONG Carbon Helmet
THE - Release images of the new carbon STAY STRONG collaboration helmet!
STAY STRONG would like to thank Pete Dylewski and Toby Henderson at VSI for making this project possible. You can also subscribe to the blog on :: staystrong.co.uk :: for the latest updates on Stephen Murray and Stay Strong.
Hall of Fame
Just found out I made the first ever British Hall of Fame. British Cycling have inducted 50 people from the last 3 decades of British Cycling and I guess im the only BMXer in there. Pretty cool. The awards will be in Manchester England early next year.
:: britishcycling.org ::
Latest
Lots going on right now since the Grands. Team stuff going good, and word out from ABA guys is BMX Racing is going to get more TV shows for 2010, which is great news.
Check out the new Stay Strong site. :: staystrong.co.uk :: Marco's doing a great job and has got some great things planned for 2010 all in support of Stephen.
Congrats to my buddy and Free Agent Euro guy, Sebastian Kartfjord, for winning the big International in St Etienne France last weekend. 1800 riders showed up. Pretty cool to see numbers are up in Europe.
Last push this week to vote for Maris Strombergs for Latvian Sports Personality of the Year. Hit the link below and click next to his name then click Balsot, its quick an simple! And you can re vote every 24 hours if you like him!!! Voting closes Dec 22nd! cheers!
:: BALSO PAR 2009.GADA POPULARAKO SPORTISTU/SPORTISTI ::
ABA Grands on VERSUS Network
ABA Press Release
Be sure to catch all the ABA Grands action on VERSUS December 29th, 2009 from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm EST. Feel all the drama of the ABA BMX National #1 Titles chases and the pressure that comes with it! This hour long show will show the ABA Overall National #1 Title chases and the riders that were involved with the quest for "THE CUP". See Randy Stumpfhauser battle Kyle Bennett and Olympic Gold Medalist, Maris Strombergs to win his first ever ABA #1 PRO tile, and on the same note become the oldest AA PRO to ever do so. Watch Dominique Daniels battle Alise "The Beast" Post to win Back-to-Back Woman PRO titles. Plus see all the heated Amateur race action in the amateur boys and girls title chases and see how they came out on top! This will be an exciting show for sure!!! One you don't want to miss!!!
The ABA Grands show will also re-air on February 3rd, 2010 from 5:30 to 6:30 EST so if you missed the first airing, or forgot to set your DVR there's still a chance to catch all the action packed footage. ABA BMX will begin filming all the exciting 2010 race series action at the Silver Dollar Nationals starting January of 2010 in Reno, NV. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled and ears open for the 2010 air dates on VERSUS real soon!
Vote for Maris
Don't forget to vote for Maris Strombergs for Latvian Sports Personality of the Year. Maris is in the lead the moment, let's keep him there. Voting is open until 21 December, link below (see 23 November 2009 post also).
:: BALSO PAR 2009.GADA POPULARAKO SPORTISTU/SPORTISTI ::
Now Available - ODI Stay Strong Grips
See 30 November 2009 post. ODI Stay Strong Limited Edition Lock-On Grips :: available here ::
ABA Grands
Well, the Grands are over and as expected it was an epic battle for the Pro Title. I think everyone can agree it was one of the closest in ABA History. Maris, Kyle and Randy were all still in contention going into the last main, and even more a trip they lined up in all 3 mains next to each other on the gate.
Kyle did all he could, not only winning Friday's pre race but winning the Grands as well, but it was still not enough, as if Randy or Maris was 2nd behind him on the day they would become Champion. And that's what happened. Randy made an inside pass on Maris exiting turn 1 in the last main for 2nd, which was enough for the title. Maris chased hard but could not quite get him back down the last straight. A Big congrats to Randy and Greg Hill at GHP. As for Kyle and Maris, they both get a lot of respect in my book for how well they handled it. Not just on missing out, but rising to the occasion and riding so good for such a big stressful weekend for all of them.
I think they both walked away from the Grands with the desire to chase the ABA title again in the future.
Our guy, Connor Fields, rode super good, winning the NAG 5 challenge Friday, Open at the Grands and just missing out on class to Corben Sharrah, who won the main and the Am title in the process. So, congrats to him.
In all a great weekend and now so much needed time off for everyone I'm thinking.
ODI Releases Stay Strong Limited Edition Lock-On Grips
Press release from ODI
Riverside, CA - More than a decade ago, the premium British import was a rising BMX rider named Stephen Murray. The Lionhearted racer had already earned six UK National Championships by age 16. In the states, he took to Dirt Jumping and Freestyle becoming a three-time back to back X-Games and Gravity Games Gold Medalist.
Then, in June of 2007, a double back flip ended with a crushed and shattered vertebrae, Stephen was paralyzed from the shoulders down.
ODI is now honoring Stephen with a Special Edition of the Ruffian Lock-On BMX grip. Subtle etched logo's brand the yellow and black collars. A "Stay Strong" sticker is included to help rep the cause on your bike or helmet.
By purchasing this product you are helping to support Stephen and his family on their road to recovery and you are showing love to a fallen soldier and BMX brother. Available at finer dealers everywhere.
ABA Grands Preview
Well, as most of you know, it's the ABA Grands this weekend in Tulsa, Oklahoma. For sure a different perspective for me going to Oklahoma this year. Not racing myself and 2 of our guys on the Team, Maris and Kyle, with a shot at the title, along with Randy.
We're all looking forward to it. What I think is cool about this year's title battle is that the 3 guys going for the title have a lot of respect for each other. It's going to be a good race.
Don't forget to vote for Maris for Latvian Sports Personality of the year. Links and info below. Be cool if he can win it 2 years in a row!!
Me and Reynolds doing the Voice Overs last week for the ABA TV Show.
Maris Strombergs
To vote for Maris, hit the link below, click next to his name at the end of the list, type in the 4 digit security code and hit the button that says "Balsot".
:: BALSO PAR 2009.GADA POPULARAKO SPORTISTU/SPORTISTI ::
Free Agent Feature
THE Stay Strong Helmet
T-H-E TEAM UP WITH STAY STRONG TO OFFER A CUSTOM GRAPHIC IN THEIR CARBON 2010 RANGE TO HELP STEPHEN MURRAY!!
The latest offering in the ever growing range is this very nice Carbon THE helmet available early 2010 at regular THE prices from your favourite THE stockist and also :: staystrong.co.uk ::
Free Agent Video
Lancaster and Orlando ABA/UCI Nationals. More to come.
Eddy King
THE 80's LEGEND EDDY KING TEAMS UP WITH STAY STRONG FOR THE 2009 ABA GRANDS COMEBACK!
That's right folks you read it correctly Eddy King the Diamondback legend of BMX's glorious 80's era is now making a comeback to racing at this years ABA Grands in Tulsa, OK this month. Look out for Eddy in the 41 and over Expert class dressed head to toe in the yellow and black colours of STAY STRONG.
Eddy made the trip out to Riverside, CA this past weekend with Free Agent TM Dale Holmes to meet Stephen Murray at his home and personally collect his Jersey for his special comeback race.
Eddy has been following Stephen's progress online since his accident back in June 2007 and has been inspired by his positive outlook on life since becoming paralyzed from the shoulders down. Eddy contacted us saying he wanted to represent Stephen and his cause and promote his brand STAY STRONG and said he'd be honoured to race in his jersey. The feeling was mutual as Stephen was stoked to say the least so the meeting was set up. The jersey's had been freshly delivered from Hot Shoppe that morning. We'd like to thank Dave Marietti for the co-sponsorship on this project. STAY STRONG will be selling these replica jersey's very soon so watch this space for more details over the next couple weeks on where to order yours!
Eddy King is a true gent and we at STAY STRONG are proud he will be wearing our colours for his much anticipated comeback to BMX racing.
Good luck in Tulsa Eddy and thank you again from STAY STRONG and Stephen Murray.
JERSEY ORDERING INFO WILL BE POSTED VERY SHORTLY, THANK YOU
ABA/UCI Continental TV Series
ABA/UCI Continental TV Series, Pheonix, Arizona. Commentators Craig Reynolds and Dale Holmes.
ABA/UCI Orlando Florida
Great weekend over at the ABA Disney Cup and especially good one for us. Kyle won Friday's National, Cristian won the UCI on Saturday and Kyle backed up Friday's win with another win on Sunday. Connor Fields won all 3 days. Super stoked for the guys. Month off now then the Grands. Props to the ABA as always a good weekend and great Pro support. Go211.com got the races online.
What's the Latest
This week we had a bunch of meetings down at Free Agent, where we are working on all kinds of new stuff for 2010, I'm pretty excited. As you have probably read by now, we're making a Free Agent / Stay Strong Frame set to support Stephen Murray and his brand Stay Strong, which is now headed by Marco Dellisola.
Marco has got lots in the works, which includes a World Stay Strong Team with some heavy hitters about to be announced, alongside one of the best co-sponsored Team line up, not just in racing but Free Style, all in support of Stephen and Stay Strong clothing!
Stephen Murray Limited Edition Frame
FREE AGENT BICYCLES TEAM UP WITH STAY STRONG TO SUPPORT STEPHEN MURRAY WITH A LTD EDITION FRAMESET!
Free Agent the fastest brand in BMX racing has shown it's support to injured UK rider Stephen Murray by collaborating with his brand STAY STRONG on an exclusive run of 200 Limited Edition Framesets.
Free Agent Bicycles as well as developing the framesets for release in early 2010, have generously donated a good royalty for every unit sold throughout the World to this great cause. World Free Agent Team Manager Dale Holmes has said "We are proud to be able to support our friend with this great offering through our brand, and Free Agent is excited to be linked with STAY STRONG on this project".
This frameset has been ridden to more PRO Podium finishes across the World in 2009 than any other brand in BMX racing. STAY STRONG have put their twist on graphics and colour to this already proven winning race frame!
If you are looking for a new frameset for 2010 that is proven on the track and want to support a fallen soldier and BMX brother then the Free Agent / STAY STRONG frameset is for you!
100 Pro Limo : 50 Limo Cruiser and 50 Expert framesets are all that are being made available so pre-ordering with your FA dealer or distributor is your way to guarantee you will get to ride one of these framesets in 2010. (Note: UK allocation selling out fast.)
Frames will be delivered including headset and forks:
USA retail pricing
Pro Limo 20" $299
Pro Limo 24" $299
Expert 20" $199
Pricing may differ slightly depending on region and currency.
Dealers / Distributors
USA - www.310proshop.com, email: webmaster@310proshop.com to reserve. www.staystrong.co.uk, email: marco@staystrong.co.uk
U.K - www.staystrong.co.uk, email: marco@staystrong.co.uk
FRANCE - www.USProbikes.com, email: jenault@usprobikes.com
DENMARK - www.bmx.as, email: msport@nationalpark-mols.dk
HOLLAND / BELGIUM - Meybo Fietsen, email: info@meybo.nl
All South American / Australian / World enquiries - please email marco@staystrong.co.uk
STAY STRONG would like to thank all the riders and parents accross the World that have shown support for Stephen Murray in the last 2 years since his tragic BMX accident which left him paralysed from the shoulders down. Whether you've bought a tee shirt, wristband or simply run a sticker on your bike, numberplate or helmet, we are grateful for you helping spread the word and raising awareness for this cause. Thank you.
www.myspace.com/murraystrong
www.stephenmurrayfamilyfund.com
Weekend Update
Good weekend up in Lancaster for the ABA Nationals. Great weather, 90 plus in October! My friend Lewis came out and shot some cool pictures (see Saturday's update). Martin Murray and Leroy came up Sunday while in town visiting Stephen from the UK, and even the Big Boss from FA came out to get the latest!
Kyle is finally back healed up and rode super fast getting 2nd both days behind Stumpy who was on it! Maris was 3rd on Sunday with Cristian 4th on Sat. Connor Fields won both days so good weekend for us!
ABA Lancaster Nationals
Saturday's racing.
Frejus France Supercross
Last week's trip to France was a bit quick and draining, cramming an European trip into four days, but for sure another great weekend. I always liked going to the South of France and this trip was no different. Great weather, good coffee, fresh bread and another good event on the World Cup circuit.
3 Free Agent guys in the final was cool and I had fun doing the live broadcast for Freecaster with Industry Pete!
Congrats to Sam Willoughby on winning both the Elites main and Best Drunk of the Night at the UCI Awards Saturday night. It was great fun to sip on water and watch all the young kids get loose during the presentation!! Myself and Wade Bootes were talking during the night's activities, both realising we were old and boring watching all the chaos go down and not being part of it like in the good old days!! ha ha
Maris ended up winning 'Best Move of the Year' for his come back race at the Worlds, so tapped off a good weekend in all.
Yesterday I went up to LA to do the Voice Overs with Craig Reynolds for the ABA's UCI's Continental TV Show that's broadcast on Versus every Monday afternoon. Super fun doing it with Craig, hopefully it turns out good when it's airs in a few week's time.
UCI Supercross France - Elite Men Final
1. Sam Willoughby/AUS
2. Donny Robinson/USA
3. Cristian Becerine/ARG
4. Ramiro Marino/ARG
5. Maris Strombergs/LAT
6. David Herman/USA
7. Khalen Young/AUS
8. Sander Bisselling/NED
UCI Supercross France this Saturday - Preview
France Bound
Still in non stop mode at the moment. Tomorrow I'm hopping on a plane for France for the last round of the UCI World Cup in Frejus. I will be back in the commentary box Saturday night with Pete D bringing the racing to you live on freecaster.com. (Saturday morning US times.) Check freecaster for your local broadcasting times World Wide and don't forget to log on and email your questions to be read out live during the race
Really looking forward to it. Had fun doing it in Chula Vista and great I got asked to do it again.
I'm sure by now the US race fans have already seen the ABA new TV show that is broadcast Nationwide on Versus every Monday afternoon. ABA/UCI events. Anyway, since my Freecaster debut the guys at ABA have asked me to be co-commentator for the show along with Craig Reynolds. I'm stepping in at show 4 and go into the studio with Craig as soon as I get back from France. Super stoked and a big thanks to Don, BA, Shannon and the ABA guys for giving me this great opportunity; it's really cool being involved and seeing racing from a different side.
:: freecaster.com ::
BMX Racing on TV
The American Bicycle Association and VERSUS are proud to announce an agreement to televise the ABA BMX events and the 2009 UCI Continental events. The ABA and it's production crew have been working on these action packed events and shows for most of this season. The ABA is super excited to bring all the action to the fans and households across the USA.
The ABA has been experiencing steady growth in membership and will continue growing and building upon the great success of BMX racing's 2008 Olympic debut. The ABA and VERSUS Network will deliver over 10 hours of programming to an audience of over 56 million homes. With BMX racing emerging as the newest Olympic action sport in 2008, and with the Americans claiming 3 of the first 6 BMX Olympic medals ever awarded, the ABA is poised for tremendous growth leading up to the 2012 Olympics in London.
The televised race series will focus on the UCI events to be aired on the following dates (Eastern Standard Times):
Mon 09/28/2009 4:30 pm
Mon 10/05/2009 4:30 pm
Mon 10/12/2009 5:00 pm
Mon 10/19/2009 5:00 pm
Mon 10/26/2009 5:00 pm
Mon 11/02/2009 5:00 pm
Mon 11/09/2009 5:00 pm
Mon 11/16/2009 5:00 pm
Mon 11/23/2009 5:00 pm
Mon 11/30/2009 5:00 pm
