BMX Guide
BMX Race Tracks Explained
A BMX race track is a short dirt circuit with a start hill and gate, straights of jumps and rollers, and banked berms, raced by up to eight riders at once.
Updated 5 min read1,010 words
A BMX race track is a short, purpose built dirt circuit for BMX racing. Up to eight riders start together from a gate at the top of a start hill, then race over straights filled with jumps and rollers, linked by banked turns called berms. The first rider across the finish line wins. Tracks are commonly around 300 to 400 metres long, and a lap often takes under a minute.
Track layout at a glance
| Feature | What it is | What riders do |
|---|---|---|
| Start hill | Steep ramp at the top of the track | Sprint from the gate to build speed |
| Start gate | Hinged metal gate across the top of the hill | Balance and react as it drops |
| Straights | Usually four, linked by turns | Jump, pump and manual over obstacles |
| Berms | Banked turns between straights | Carry speed, pick a line, pass |
| Rhythm sections | Series of close jumps or rollers | Jump, manual or pump through |
| Finish line | Usually at the end of the last straight | Sprint and throw the bike |
Most tracks follow a pattern of four straights and three turns, though layouts vary by venue.
The start hill and gate
Start hill
The start hill gives riders their first burst of speed. Club tracks have modest start hills. Elite international Supercross tracks, used at events like the Olympic Games and the UCI BMX World Championships, have much taller start ramps, often several storeys high. Many tracks offer a lower start ramp for younger or newer riders.
The 8 lane gate
The start gate is a hinged metal barrier across the top of the hill, with room for eight riders side by side. Riders roll their front wheel up against it and balance on the pedals.
- An official calls the riders to the gate.
- Riders take their lanes and balance with their front wheel against the gate.
- A recorded voice cadence warns riders the start is coming. Under UCI rules it runs "OK riders, random start. Riders ready, watch the gate."
- After a random delay (between 0.1 and 2.7 seconds under UCI rules), four tones sound as a light tree shows red, yellow, yellow and green.
- The gate drops forward on the last tone and riders sprint down the hill.
Good starts come from reaction, balance and a powerful first pedal stroke. Lane choice can matter, and in many race formats, riders with better results get first pick. In later rounds of UCI events, gate choice goes in order of finishing place or lap time from the previous round.
Straights and obstacles
Straights are the long sections between turns. They hold the jumps and rollers.
Rollers
Rollers are low, smooth bumps. Beginners roll over them. Faster riders pump them by pushing the bike down the backside of each roller to gain speed, or manual over several in a row.
Doubles and triples
A double is two jumps in a row with a gap between them. Riders jump from the first and land on the backside of the second. A triple is three humps. Coming up short and landing on the top of a jump is called casing.
Step ups and step downs
A step up takes you from a lower takeoff to a higher landing. A step down drops you from a higher takeoff to a lower landing. Both reward smooth timing.
Tabletops
A tabletop is a jump with a flat top. If you come up short you land on the flat, which makes it friendlier for beginners than an open gap.
Rhythm sections
A rhythm section is a group of closely spaced jumps or rollers. Riders choose to jump, manual or pump through them depending on speed and skill. Picking the fastest way through a rhythm section is a big part of racing.
Berms
A berm is a banked turn. The angle lets riders carry speed around the corner rather than braking. Many tracks seal their berms with asphalt or similar surfaces to keep them consistent in wet weather and reduce maintenance.
Riders choose between the low (inside) line and the high (outside) line. Passing often happens in berms, with riders cutting under or sweeping around others.
Track surface
Straights are usually compacted dirt or clay, kept smooth and firm. Turns may be sealed. Tracks need regular watering, rolling and repair to stay fast and safe. Club working bees often help with this.
How racing works on the track
Racing is usually organised by age, gender and skill level, with separate classes for 20 inch bikes and larger cruiser bikes. Riders race a set of qualifying races (motos), and the best riders progress to later rounds and a final (main). Exact formats vary by event and governing body.
Racing requires specific protective gear. UCI rules require a full face helmet, a loose long sleeved jersey, full finger gloves, and long pants or shorts worn with knee and shin protection. AusCycling also makes full face helmets mandatory at its sanctioned BMX races. Check the current rules with your club or national body. See the BMX helmet guide.
BMX racing in Australia
Australia has a large BMX racing community, with clubs and tracks in every state and territory. BMX racing in Australia is now run under AusCycling, the national body for cycling, after BMX Australia merged with Cycling Australia and Mountain Bike Australia to create it in November 2020. Clubs typically run club nights, come and try days and state level events. To find a track, contact your nearest club or check the AusCycling website. See BMX in Australia for more of the local history.
Tips for your first lap
- Walk the track first. Look at every jump and berm before riding it.
- Roll everything. Ride over jumps with both wheels on the ground at first.
- Learn to pump. Pumping rollers builds speed without pedalling.
- Look ahead. Keep your eyes on the next feature, not your front wheel.
- Practise gate starts. Many clubs run gate practice sessions.
- Ride within your limits. Add jumps one at a time as you get comfortable.
Related
Frequently asked questions about BMX Race Tracks Explained
How long is a BMX race track?
Most tracks are a few hundred metres long, commonly around 300 to 400 metres, which is the range UCI rules set for international tracks. Lengths vary by venue and level, and elite Supercross tracks have much bigger features than club tracks.
How does a BMX start gate work?
Riders balance on their pedals with their front wheels against a metal gate. After a voice cadence and a sequence of lights and tones, the gate drops forward and riders sprint down the start hill.
Can beginners ride a BMX race track?
Yes. Clubs run come and try days and novice classes. Beginners can roll over the jumps and rollers, and learn to jump and manual them as their skills grow.
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