Under Pressure: QAS freestyle BMX riders test competition craft

A mock competition is preparing the next generation of QAS supported BMX freestyle riders to land their best tricks on the world stage.

Four developing QAS supported riders took the pressure test at the three-day Performance Trial camp held at the QAS Carrara BMX facility. Riders were given two 60-second performance runs in front of spectators and an event announcer, replicating the format, stress and demands of a real competition.

Newly categorised QAS Freestyle BMX rider Sam Grace said: “It’s pretty similar to a competition, just getting in there, get it done. It’s under pressure. I did some of my best tricks in both runs, including tricks I haven’t done in competition before.”

The three-day camp included educational workshops by QAS performance support staff to help riders prepare for every aspect of a competition – psychology, strength and conditioning, and injury prevention.

The camp also provided inspiration for developing athletes with the chance to ride alongside Olympic medallists Logan Martin and Natalya Diehm.