Cape teen selected for BMX camp
In the 10 years Justin Riddell has been involved in BMX racing, he’s continued to train hard and improve. Now the 15-year-old Cape Coral resident is displaying the type of elite skill that compares to the best in the country.
He doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
He is one of eight boys and eight girls nationally chosen in the 13-15-year-old age group to participate in a BMX Camp at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif., near San Diego.
Riddell has competed in numerous events, including a big race in Louisville, Ky., and will attend the camp that runs Feb. 1-8, then compete in a UCI Race at the end of the week. That race awards points toward World Championship qualifying.
At the camp, Riddell has the opportunity to meet and learn from professional BMX racers and train on an Olympic-style track.
“His talent level is probably one or two in the nation,” said team manager and coach Todd Lackey. “He has a skill level of a pro, but is lacking a little bit of power.”
Riddell is one of about 120 BMX riders who train in Cape Coral. He began racing at about 5 years old, taking after his older sister, Sarah.
Riddell trains regularly about three hours a day, which includes both weightlifting and riding.
He’s competed in events around the country, but the BMX camp figures to be a significant step up in terms of development and competition. It also is the farthest he has traveled in the sport.
“It’s fun because you get to see everything and a lot of different places,” Riddell said, “but this is my first time flying (to California), so I’m a little nervous about that.”
Lackey, who has competed in BMX for several years, has trained Riddell for the past five years. He said Riddell’s top strength is his ability to control the bike.
If there is an area he would like to see Riddell get stronger at it’s adding more power.
At the Olympic Training Center, Riddell will train on a more challenging track with hills that measure 35 to 40 feet compared to the average size, which is around 15 to 20 feet.