Bikers fight for dominance during the BMX preliminary of the 2nd National Youth Games in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, on May 28. [Photo/sxrb.com]

Pedals whirled and hearts raced as the BMX preliminary meet of the 2nd National Youth Games wound up in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, on May 28.

Hosted by the Chinese Cycling Association, the Shanxi Sport Bureau and Taiyuan government, the three-day preliminary event attracted 109 coaches and athletes in 11 teams from all around China. 

Organizers said 16 from Shanxi province qualified for the BMX finals which will take place in the 2nd National Youth Games in August. 

For enthusiasts the term BMX needs no introduction. But for the uninitiated, the bicycle motocross sport is performed on BMX bikes. There are various forms – including competitive BMX racing, freestyle BMX, or on or off-road variants.

BMX began when young cyclists took over motocross tracks for fun, racing and stunts. It was listed as an official Olympic event in the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008.