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Highlands Today

Local Riders Excel at BMX Event

Mark Pinson/Highlands Today

Riders get off to a quick start as the gate drops during one of Saturday's state qualifiers at the BMX track in Avon Park. The two-day event attracted a strong field of competitors.

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Special to Highlands Today

Published: February 19, 2008

AVON PARK –– More than 788 BMX bicycle racers along with approximately 1,500 family and friends gathered at the Highlands County YMCA BMX track in Avon Park over the weekend for state qualifiers.

The two-day competition attracted the biggest field of racers so far in the 2008 State Series Qualifiers.

Riders from Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, Bogota, Columbia, and Brazil came to challenge what is becoming one of the most talked about tracks in the country.

It was stated that a rider from Michigan e-mailed home to tell his friends that Highlands County YMCA BMX has the potential to be ranked with national favorites.

Among the 788 riders competing were 17 professional riders, three riders over the age of 50, and four riders under the age of eight.

Additionally, a 3-year-old also competed.

The remaining riders ranged from 9-years-old to 49.

Riders are classed by age and proficiency which includes rookie, novice, expert, elite (pro).

Other classes include cruiser and open wheel.

Local riders included Tim Koning who swept the 10 rookie division with a first-place finish both days.

Jordan Shane finished sixth, Steven Harrison came in third, Charlie Jones seventh and Frank Mena managed to finish fifth.

Also, Justin Stewart came in sixth, Wesley Koning third, Cale Gilliam sixth, Brandon Griffith third and Gustavo Mena finished seventh.

For more information check out highlandsbmx.com or contact the Highlands County YMCA.

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