SARASOTA, Fla. — A big milestone is ahead in the new year for BMX racing lovers in Sarasota County.
Not only would Sarasota play host to the USA BMX's Sunshine State Nationals, but it would also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the tracks.
Local elite cyclists have begun to prepare for the big show.
"Going to the amateur side, it's a very windy day," said Damien Lacombe, a professional BMX cycling athlete.
The BMX life is no joke to Lacombe who lives in Sarasota. He was out on the track doing some exhibition runs along with several other athletes.
"Previously in 2022, I was fifth in the world and now just enjoying coaching and riding," he said.
Lacombe said he spends a lot of time at Sarasota County's Youth Athletic Complex on Tuttle Avenue and 17th Street.
The tracks were first set up in 1974 and then completely rebuilt to global competition standards in 2017.
Several local BMX athletes like Lacombe practice here to stay in tip-top form to make those high and fast jumps look like a walk in the park.
"It doesn't look like what it looks like on the outside. It's quick and you don't have much time to think about it."
Volunteers with the nonprofit Sarasota BMX help run the programs.
"Having something like this is really helping grow the community to get more riders out here and just more active," said Caleb Minthorn, who is a coach at Sarasota BMX.
In January, more than 1,500 BMX cyclists have competed across the world and will converge on the tracks to kick off the year-long 50th anniversary celebrations by Sarasota County.
"We're super excited that USA BMX has chosen us to be the first race of their 2024 series," said Nicole Rissler, diirector of Sarasota County Parks and Rec.
The three-day Sunshine State Nationals Series is expected to also draw hundreds of tourists and BMX cycling enthusiasts to the area.
Sarasota County officials said along with it being the oldest and longest continuous running track in the country, the BMX track is attractive because it has the largest number of rider tracks in Florida.
"We actually have some of the top pros in the world here training to qualify for the world championships and ultimately the Olympics this coming year," Rissler said.
"[We have] amateur riders starting from four years old, all the way up to the top elite level," Minthorn said.
Overall, the riders and event organizers said they all have one shared goal for folks who might be interested in a future in BMX cycling or for those who just want to be spectators.
"To have fun, teach some work ethic and just put a smile on everyone's face," Minthorn said.
You can join in on the fun and watch the race for free throughout the weekend from January 5 to Jan. 7.
Several local vendors and food trucks serving up some mouth-watering street bites would also be onsite.