Photo by Giordano Ciampini

A war is on the horizon in Nicoya, but instead of guns, the weapon of choice will be a BMX bicycle.

The street and flatland jam, which is being organized by the Youth Committee of Nicoya and Ciclo Aro, will take place on Sunday, February 10th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Polideportivo building in Nicoya.  Registration to compete is 5000 colones ($10), and admission to the public is free. 

Street events include bicycle tricks using obstacles such as ramps, stairs and rails, whereas flatland tricks are done on a flat surface.  The BMX War Jam began in 2007.  This year, 50 to 60 extreme cycling athletes are expected to participate, including two from France, according to organizer Luis Elías Benavides Madrigal.

“The purpose of this activity is to make the population of the canton of Nicoya aware of the need to create a space for practicing BMX and skateboarding,” explained Benavides. 

With regard to the possible creation of a skate park in Nicoya, Benavides said the project has the green light to begin later this year as part of a larger sports complex, with funding from the Instituto Mixto de Ayuda Social (IMAS- Mixed Institute of Social Asssitance). The probable site for the construction of the sports complex is in front of the cemetery in the Guadalupe neighborhood. Funds raised by the BMX WAR JAM will be earmarked for construction of the skate park. 

For more information about the BMX WAR JAM, contact [email protected].