Olympic BMX cyclist dies in a vehicular accident

Kyle Bennett, 33 an Olympic BMX cyclist was killed in a vehicular accident in eastern Texas. He was a three-time BMX world champion and won an automatic spot the first U.S. BMX Olympic team in 2008.

USA Cycling CEO Steve Johnson in an statement said: “All of us at USA Cycling were deeply saddened to learn this morning of the tragic and untimely loss of Kyle Bennett,”

“Kyle was a pioneer in Olympic BMX and an inspiration to those of us that knew him. He will be sorely missed and we offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Bennett is survived by his fiance and a young daughter.

photo: USA TODAY Sports

Cycling BMX Women's BMX Final - London 2012 Olympic Games

A look back at the London 2012 Olympic Games...

Mariana Pajon women's BMX Gold medal winner dominated her three semi-final runs in awe-inspiring fashion, led the eight-rider strong field after the first bend and never looked back. New Zealand's Sarah Walker took silver and Dutchwoman Laura Smulders claimed bronze while local hope Shanaze Reade settled for sixth. She finished just behind Caroline Buchanan of Australia, the BMX time trial world champion.

The first national mountain bike championships were held in 1983 in the USA. But the sport quickly grew in popularity in Europe and Australia. The first mountain bike World Championships, recognised by the International Cycling Union (UCI), were organised in 1990. Olympic recognition followed and mountain biking made its debut as an Olympic discipline at the Atlanta Games in 1996, with a cross-country event for men and women. The programme has remained unchanged ever since.

It was in 2008 in Beijing that BMX made its debut on the Olympic programme. BMX is one of the fastest and youngest cycling disciplines. Its principle is simple: eight riders compete on a track filled with jumps, tight bends and obstacles.