Prize money and prestige - BMX at the Olympics and in the countryside
BMX-cross is relatively new to the Olympics, London is only the second time to host such a race. Just a few days before the Olympic final, a hundred miles from the capital a regional BMX race was held in Bournemouth, where riders competed in all kinds of different categories from small kids to their dads. Comparing the two events it becomes obvious that the main difference is in the things surrounding the race and that while the winner at the regional race received a few hundred pounds in cash, the Olympic winners' reward was only the victory ceremony. And prestige, of course.
The regional track is used for racing regularly. It has two concrete curves, two small and two large double jumps. (Bournemouth, August 05, 2012)
The
london track was built for the Olympics specifically, only one test
race was held here before the Games. Many london riders consider the jumps to be
frighteningly large, but they would still prefer if the track stayed there
even after the event. (London, August 10, 2012)
Medical attention cannot be spared. An ambulance is compulsory at every official race. (Bournemouth, August 05, 2012)
Just like everywhere at the Games, volunteers were the ones helping on and around the track. (London, August 10, 2012)
Both tracks needed to be watered in the burning sun. (Bournemouth, August 05, 2012)
The only notable difference being that at the Olympics they didn't have a dispenser at the end of the water hose. (London, August 10, 2012)
The difference in size is best seen in the curves. (Bournemouth, August 05, 2012)
But the same quality of the track is also best seen here. (London, August 10, 2012)
While the supporters in the countryside are almost exclusively family members and parents...(Bournemouth, August 05, 2012)
...at
the Olympics it's mainly people fanatically into BMX. The stands were
full at the finals, many people couldn't get into the arena seating six
thousand. (London, August 10, 2012)
Catering is a must even at the regional race, although what most people looked for was ice cream. (Bournemouth, August 05, 2012)
In
the Olympic park every price was centrally decided at about twice of
the normal price in Bournemouth and people only had one twenty minute
break to load up during the final. (London, August 10, 2012)