Well it has been a great day for the US Team with lots of wins. Tobias got two 5th's and a 4th place finsh in his third race, missing the main by 1 place. He's had the most fun ever and has made lots of friends. As we were talking it sounded as though Tyler Fuller won with Michael Gonzalez in a super tight 2nd. Michael crashed at the finish line so we cut the call short. Tradition has many of the racers trading their countries jerseys and Tobias traded his race jersey with a new friend from South Africa. For him and his mom it has been an amazing journey and an amazing time being with the BMX racing family which in far, far away China extends to all the world's racers. Tomorrow is the Elite class and I'm sure they'll be rooting for everyone. We'll keep you all posted.

According to his mom, Tobias has the track dialed. The whole US, Australian and New Zealand teams practiced together. Tobias has made so many friends! The entire event is the way we probably dream BMX should be. I gather that team communication is a bit foggy, but everything is going pretty well. Today Tobias saw Donnie Robinson, Bubba and Joey on their way to pro practice. He loves the random gate and the starting hill. He's figured out the double and from what I gather on the phone, you have to jump it 'cause there's no other way. Tomorrow is racing. In UCI they are taking the top four from each moto, Each rack races three motos. A riders combined score at the end of three motos determines if they make the main or not on the second day. Last night they got a pizza from Pizza Hut, ate dinner and Tobias slept 11 1/2 hours! He's relaxed and having a blast. Not like his dad, writing this blog at 2:15 in the morning! Have fun at the track , tomorrow everyone...  

 Well, Dad stayed up until 2:00 am so that I could find out how the track was. It ain't home! UCI tracks are much more technical. Tobias said the starting gate is raised up 35'! That's a lot for a little guy. His mom is so proud she's just in awe of him. He's jumping the double on the first straight and making lots of friends. Tobias is having the time of his life. It is really quite something when your kid finds something he loves, is really good at,  and we as parents are smart enough  to know it and help him. We miss them at home though... Well, got to get some sleep I suppose.

 Got a message from Tobias and his mom. Registration was yesterday and here's how the 9 year old class stands: Total of thirteen riders. 3 from the US, 2 from Russia, 1 from the Czech Republic, 1 German, 1 from Ecuador, 1 from Zimbabwe, 1 from Argentina, 2 from Japan and one from England. The team gets their jerseys tomorrow before practice. Tonight they were going to have dinner with Niko Dzapo and his dad. That's pretty cool to go so far and have a local friend right there when you are. Niko's been a real help to Tobias locally. He's a great kid and a dedicated racer. Keep you posted...