Pics: Britney White • Story: Brian Fell

This past weekend took us to one of the best tracks in the state, Sarasota BMX. Sarasota has been around forever. I don’t know what year they opened, but I do remember making the drive over across Alligator Alley (when it was just a 2 lane road, mind you) to race in their annual King Neptune race. It was basically a one off race that had bigger than normal trophies, top level riders and a lot of hype. It was always a good time.

This race though was an NBL National. It’s kind of weird, but most of the people in Florida would rather spend their hard earned cash on racing a state qualifier versus a national. I would like to see more riders come out and race it, but that is a whole other issue... The race had 91 motos on Saturday and close to that on Sunday. Throw in the Southeast regional Championship on Saturday afternoon and you could get 3 good scores, as well as, wrap up the Regional Series all in one weekend. So, that’s what we did!

Raul Gomez had his hands full with Mike Powers on day one, but he got it together and reset himself to finish off the day strong with wins across the board, while taking home the regional title to boot! Sunday saw Gomez take home another two perfects to make the drive home a little better. Cory Watts came to Sarasota with an injured back, but still managed to get the job done in 19-25X with two national perfects and the regional title. Bryan Kipp was looking like his old self! He has been putting in the work and it is definitely showing. Bryan won every class he entered this weekend. Keep up the great work! Tucker Rice didn’t have his usual weekend, that’s ok though, he just moved up to 12X and it’s gonna take a little time to get situated. Tucker would still do good with a first and a second in cruiser and two thirds in class. He would also round out the regional series in the number three slot. Jeff Devido came out to the race to give it a go. He made the mains each day netting himself sixth place each time. Dean DeVido made the main on Sunday finishing eighth and Perry DeVido scored a couple of seventh’s and an eighth on Sunday as well.

Overall, the race was really good! Our tent spot was awesome, we samples a good amount of DNA Energy Drinks to the spectators. Everyone seemed to like it as much as we do! We also had some of the UGP designs on display at the UGP tent. It was pretty cold on Sunday morning, but it warmed up about half way through the second round enough to make it nice. Next stop the ABA Disney Cup in St. Cloud, Florida. It looks to be a good one, so try to make it out. Stop by the tent, check out the UGP display, grab some stickers and a DNA!  

Dutch National Championships
The Netherlands

The 2009 Dutch National championships were held at the former World's bmx track in Valkenswaard. With great weather circumstances and good organization you could feel the excitement during this event. MCS Europe was stoked and represented with it's team members Montgomery "8ball" Bregita (cruiser 30-39) & Zahur "Z-Man" Fraai (challenge 17+)
 
Unfortunately 8ball had a bad race day and couldn't manage to get himself a spot in the finals. In the mean time Z-Man made it happen 1 more time placing himself in the grand final and was looking forward to earn the red-white-blue striped jersey for the second time. A bad start took his dream away and finished national #7 for this season.                                                             
 
European Championships
Denmark
 
The 2009 European championship finals were held at the Dronning Margrethe Hall (indoor) in Fredericia last weekend. This time MCS Europe was represented only by it's team member Montgomery "8ball" Bregita. Because of not making the main event during the Dutch Championships he had one more reason to be even more determined this time and it payed off well, a terrific and well earned 6th place for him.
 
We would like to thank our main sponsor MCS Bicycles for the support and great race products so we can make allot of more mains and grow our sport BIGGER and BIGGER every single day!

First, read the text. Then, see the video....

One son ask to his dad: “Do you want to take a part in a marathon with me?” And his dad, In spite of his heart problem, answered yes.

They went to the marathon together, and then they went to several marathons together...

The dad always said “Yes” to his son when he wanted to go to other race...

One day the son says to his dad: “Dad, can we compete in an Ironman together”. Again the dad answered “Yes” to his son.

For the people who don’t know, The Ironman is the most difficult competition in the world. Having three Stages: one test of swimming in the sea of 3.86km, then one route race with bike of 180.2km, and for the end, one race like marathon (by foot) of 42..195km in the Big Island coast.

The dad and son completed the Ironman together...

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8cf08faca5dd9ea45513

Introducing a new line to Stay Strong Apparel, “Blank Tees” A signature line designed by professional athletes, celebrities and recording artists.

The first to release their design is professional BMX rider, Alistair Whitton of Chester, England. The argyle stay strong print, on 100% cotton, soft V Neck premium tee in black & Stay Strong Apparel tagless label - "alistair whitton ltd"

                               

Alistair is a long time friend of Stephen’s has been a huge support to Stephen’s on a personal level and has contributed to fund raisers to aide Stephen’s rehabilitation.​

Available now at - www.​staystrongappar​el.​com

Additional designs will be added monthly, through the next 12 months. Confirmed athletes are:
Mat Hoffman, Kevin Robinson, Cory Nastazio, TJ Lavin, Simon Tabron, Ryan Nyquest, Ryan Guettler, Dale Holmes, Maris Strombergs, Steve Pete, Adam Aloise, Chris Gentry - Skate, Lonie Paxton - NFL Denver Bronco, Joumana Kidd, Special Editon BMX Park "The Compound" Tee

*Stephen's Blog updates on can be found  at http://staystrongapparel.wordpress.com

The much anticipated air dates have been announced for the ABA Nationals that were filmed for NBC Universal Network. The first show is set to air on May 25th at 7:00pm E.S.T. The race action has been really good with all of the Olympians present at almost all of the rounds, so be sure to check your cable or satelite provider and tune in!

 Click here to get all of the air dates!