Chile's BMX explosion - 23rd September 2022

BMX riders flooded the streets of Santiago, Chile to observe World BMX day. Accompanied by the local police, the athletes moved through the city, filling the streets and squares, where they showed off their moves and participated in competitions.

Here's Chile's top BMX cyclist Diego Galdames.

Diego Galdames: "For me, being a rider is being free. You get on your bike, and it's as if you entered a world apart. You begin to enjoy it. And all the people who practise this sport then start to be your family and more than just people you know."

Bicycle motocross or BMX, originated in the streets of southern California, in the 1970s, where kids on their bicycles were imitating motorcycle racing. The sport mushroomed in popularity before becoming recognised officially in 1981.

BMX tracks with berms, bumps and jumps entered the Olympics in Beijing in 2008. Whilst freestyle or stunt BMX, with spins and acrobatics, became a medal sport at Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

It's this diversity which Ivan Galadames, an Elite Chilean BMX rider, believes is at the heart of its popularity.

Iván Galdames: "Well, the truth is that BMX is a lifestyle because it can be done on the street, on a ramp - it's super free. Everyone looks for their modality where it suits them best. As I told you, it's a lifestyle because every moment that I do it, I disconnect from any situation, whether good or bad. It's just me and my bike."

BMX is an inexpensive sport, which makes it attractive to riders of all ages, with competitions for all abilities, from beginner to elite riders.

Here's the organiser of Santiago's BMX event Claudio Rodriguez.

Claudio Rodriguez: "This event is meant to celebrate BMX, and motivate many people to practise it. Make it known in different parts of the city and make the sport as popular as possible."

The explosion of BMX in Chile has resulted in the construction of a bike park in Santa Fe city. The venue will play host, in November 2022, to the World Championships.