Valley youngster to ride at Nationals
For the first time since 2001 the United States will host the BMX World Championships later this year.
The event is scheduled to occur in late July at the city of Rock Hill’s Novant Health BMX Supercross Track in South Carolina.
An estimated 300 professional athletes from more than 40 countries and 3,000 amateur participants are scheduled to appear at the championships, including Imperial Valley youngster Lian Auyon.
The 6-year-old qualified for the championships after competing in the USA BMX Winter Nationals in Phoenix earlier this year.
Lian needed to finish in the top eight at the event and came in fourth to advance to advance to the big race.
“I was excited because I got to race new competition and I’ve never been to Worlds,” said Lian of the Winter Nationals and his top finish.
Lian first began competing in BMX about two years ago after participating in a Trike-a-thon at his local church, explained his mother, Patty Auyon.
Initially Patty said she was cautious to let her son compete as he was diagnosed with asthma as an infant.
“I was very hesitant,” she said. “I just said, ‘I don’t know how this is going to work.’ But he did it and he loved it.”
Since then, Lian, with help from his parents, has traveled throughout the western United States competing and honing his craft.
“I’ve been to Yuma, San Diego, Las Vegas and Texas,” Lian recalled.
The first-grader said one of his favorite tracks to race at is located in Kearny Mesa.
“I like it because when you go down the hills you go fast and the turns are high,” he said.
In addition to qualifying for Worlds this year, Lian was also added to the Bombshell roster, which is a team based out of Murrieta that helps riders from throughout the nation.
While Lian represents Bombshell at qualifying races, he’ll represent team USA at Worlds in July and said he was looking forward to the race.
“I like everything about BMX,” he said. “I like to race and see different tracks.”
In preparation for the race, Lian will not only be practicing but also raising funds for his trip.
To learn more or to donate, see Lian’s Facebook page, Lian Auyon BMX.