Press Release

BMX Olympic Hopefuls to Appear on the NBC Today Show


The American Bicycle Association Builds Olympic Enthusiasm With Today Show Demo


Gilbert, Arizona—April 25, 2008— The American Bicycle Association (ABA) "The Sanctioning Body of BMX", continues its diligent promotion of the sport. Now, after weeks of preparations, negotiations and working with the bicycle industry and supportive sponsors it announces a spotlight appearance on NBC's Today Show. NBC's leading morning news and information show has scheduled a demonstration and feature of BMX, the newest Olympic sport for Wednesday, April 30th 2008.


The Today Show will feature USA's top BMX Olympic hopefuls Kyle Bennett, Donny Robinson and Arielle Martin. The true excitement is that an actual dirt BMX track will be constructed in Rockefeller Plaza for this first ever demonstration. The abbreviated track will feature a starting hill with electronic gate, a 120' straight, a roller section and a 16" double jump for Kyle, Donny and Arielle to showcase their skills. It's even rumored that some of the hosts of the show may even give it a try.


“BMX racers are the most skilled cyclists in the world, from sprinting to negotiating jumps, BMX racers develop these skills at a very young age. It’s great that the media will finally witness these skills, The Today Show is just the start of the media coverage our sport is about to receive.” Said Clayton John, ABA President.


The show will air April 30th from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM and will not only highlight our potential BMX Olympians, The Today show will also give some of the top amateurs in the World the opportunity to demonstrate their skills on Rockefeller Plaza. Conner Fields, Christopher Blevins, Anthony Derosa, Kristen Long as well as SI Kids "Youth Athlete of the Year" Brock Heffron and ABA's current National #1 Amateur Nic Long will all be in attendance.


“After 32 years of organizing and promoting the sport in the United States the American Bicycle Association is excited about the exposure, notoriety and legitimacy the Olympics will bring to the sport.” stated B.A. Anderson, ABA Vice President.


The entire project with the Today Show was made possible by a collaborative effort from the American Bicycle Association and ABA national sponsors Fly Racing, FireMagic Premium Grills, Jigaloo lubricant, and GT Bicycles with help from Free Agent, NBL and USA Cycling. To add even more Olympic flare to the show Pierce Barker of Pro Gate is providing a scaled down version of the actual Olympic Starting gate. UCI track builder Tom Ritz, the ABA staff and Kevin O’Brien will be on site to construct the first ever BMX track on Rockefeller Plaza.


About The American Bicycle Association

ABA (American Bicycle Association), formed in 1977 and headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, is “The Sanctioning Body of BMX”©. The ABA organizes BMX racing for boys, girls and adults, nationwide and Canada. With 60,000 active members, 274 racing facilities and a 27 event-national race schedule; ABA is the largest promoter of action sports. For additional press information about ABA, the sport of BMX, ABA events or Professional racers, call bonspeedMedia; (714) 666-1999. To find races in your area or view the national event schedule, visit www.ababmx.com.

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