Campbell bested last year’s champ and fellow school mate Liam MacKinnon of Riverview, who placed third after a spill in the bowl at the Coxheath Skateboard Park, and proved exceptional bike handling skills up against rising BMX cycle talent Aaron MacDonald who wowed the crowd, taking second place in Class 4 division action for athletes 16 and older.
“What we witnessed today was exceptional athletic prowess by some of best cyclists in Cape Breton,” said judge Bill Goldston who also serves as president of Framework Racing Society, a not for profit society whose mission is to develop athletes to represent Cape Breton in sporting competitions around the globe.
“This extreme sport is a challenge to perform and is a delight to watch for the dozens and dozens of spectators who turned out Sunday.”
Nikkolas MacPhee won Class 3 division for ages 13 to 15 after two turns around the park that lasted 45 seconds apiece, easily demonstrating speed and various stunts including jumps, grinds, spins and tail whips. Bradley Barrie and Riley MacInnis, both of Sydney, took second and third place honours, respectfully, tackling difficult stunts including wheelies, spins and other tricks that seemed to defy gravity and physics.
In Class 1 play for kids under 10, Carter MoryKot demonstrated his growing bike handling skills to take first place while Cole Jewet and Daniel Symes rounded out the category taking second and third place, respectively.
The annual event is hosted by Framework Racing Society in partnership with CBRM, ECBC, Island Greek Donair, Dignity Memorial and 1664 BMX Distribution companies Encore, Fit, S&M, LaCasa and United.
The event served as the official launch of a massive financial campaign to build the island’s first BMX site at the Open Hearth Park in central Sydney. Earlier this year, land was set aside at the site by the provincial government after an appeal was made by Framework Racing Society members to build infrastructure for cyclists, skateboarders, in-line skaters and athletes who ride scooters. A petition containing nearly 400 names was submitted to the CBRM appealing to council to work with the province and society to see the dream of a true BMX park constructed.
Framework Racing hopes to host more BMX events this summer, along with a scooter event.
