BMX World Championship begins in Taiyuan

(BEIJING, May 29) -- The 2008 UCI BMX World Championship began on Wednesday, May 28, in Taiyuan, China. The riders who finish with the top 12 scores on the men's side and top eight scores on the women's side will qualify to compete in the Beijing Olympics. The remaining spots will be decided by the International Cycling Union on June 6.

Top riders competing on the men's side include:

Kyle Bennett, USA

Year of birth: 1979

Major achievements:

2002 World Championships, Elite, first place

2003 World Championships, Elite, first place

2007 World Championships, Elite, first place

Luke Madill, Australia

Year of birth: 1980

Major achievements:

2001 World Championships, Elite, eighth place

2003 World Championships, Cruiser, third place

2005 World Cup, USD, Elite, second place

Michal Prokop, Czech Republic

Year of birth: 1981

Major achievements:

2003 World Cup, Woodwart East, USA, Elite, third place

2004 World Cup, Woodwart East, USA, Elite, third place

2006 World Cup, San Jose, USA, Elite, first place

2006 World Cup, Frejus, France, Elite, second place

Donny Robinson, USA

Year of birth: 1983

Major achievements:

2006 World Championships, Elite Cruiser, first place

World Cup:

2006 World Cup, UCI BMX Supercross Series, first place

2006 World Cup, Frejus, France, Elite, first place

2006 World Cup, San Jose, USA, Elite, first place

Yvan Lapraz, Switzerland

Year of birth: 1989