If you noticed traffic was heavier than usual this past weekend it could have been due to the hundreds of BMX riders that came to town.

Brad Christensen, Cochrane BMX Club, President, says the races saw a record number of 550 riders on both Saturday and Sunday (June 24 and 25) for Provincial Races 1 and 2. "It was exceptional, it was record breaking for Alberta BMX it was the biggest Provincial Races they have ever hosted."

Riders as young as four years of age all the way to expert hit the track but to name one highlight is difficult, shares Christensen. "It is tough to pick; really it is from Friday right through to Sunday just how everybody came together, stepped up to volunteer, our club and our members were just fabulous."

While Christensen is still coming down from this weekend's high he hasn't completely absorbed how well Cochrane riders placed yet. The good news is he did see some gold medals come across the table for Cochrane riders. "The future looks good for a lot of riders right now."

As far as injuries go; some Cochrane riders did get hurt but luckily nothing too serious. "There was couple injuries, a couple riders were taken away with precautionary but I believe everyone is doing better. A couple concussions was the biggest one but I don't recall any broken bones this weekend, which is always positive."

It was the Cochrane Club's third time in four years hosting Provincials, which brings awareness not only to the Cochrane Club but has a big economic impact. "You have 550 riders plus their families in Cochrane for the weekend, they filled the hotels and definitely make a big impact on Cochrane."

Christensen says whether or not the club hosts Provincials next year remains unknown. "Everything is bidded near the end of this season but it gives us a little bit of breathing room to decide what and if we want to pursue something for next year."

Provincial races 3 and 4 are in Stony Plain July 8 and 9, Christensen says a lot of Cochrane riders will be headed up. "We will have a good chunk of Cochrane riders going up trying to get that last bit of training in; World's are in four weeks."

A list of results from races 1 and 2 can be found here.