by Jim Slater

WASHINGTON, July 20, 2008 (AFP) – Three-time world bicycle motocross
(BMX) champion Kyle Bennett is nicknamed “Butter”, but he is hoping some rival
does not butt into his path and spread him across the Olympic course in Beijing.

The 28-year-old American, known for his easy-going style on the bike, is
among the medal contenders when the sport makes its Olympic debut in
Beijing.

“My riding style is smoother. That’s why they call me ‘Butter’. My style
is laid back like I am,” Bennett said. “If I’m going to pass it’s going to be
clean. Some guys are not scared to hit you or cut you off going into a
curve.

“I’m just laid back. I try to let my riding speak for itself.”

Bennett, whose grandfather took him to his first BMX jumping park at age
seven, won the 2002 and 2003 world crowns but tore knee ligaments in 2006
and needed reconstructive knee surgery. He recovered to win the 2007 world
title.

Now he dreams of Olympic gold with no fear of backlash from extreme
sports fans.

“As a kid I always wanted to be in the Olympics. It is as high as our
sport can go. I’m in awe,” Bennett said.

“When I first heard about it, I didnt really believe it was going to
happen. It’s a dream. I see nothing but positive things coming out of it.”

Among those is an extra toughness the sport lacked a decade ago.

“Look what it’s bringing. I didn’t start doing weights until I was 20.
That is how much our sport has changed. Four or five years ago you would just go
to your local track and ride. Weight training didn’t come in until the
Olympics.

“You want explosive power. You want to try have some upper body strength
but be flexible with your lower body to control the bike. Lower body is the
key,” Bennett said.

Snowboard events brought a similar buzz at the 2006 Winter Olympics, with

“Flying Tomato” Shaun White, a US redhead, winning the halfpipe and
boardcross proving popular.

“It’s similar, our personalities and the way the sport is. We hope to be
able to achieve similar things,” Bennett said. “I look at what (White) has
done and it would be nice if I could do that in BMX.

“We’re guinea pigs with it but I’m enjoying it. It’s all so new right now
but it’s crazy to think about where it could go. I would love BMX to be a
household name. I hope it works out.”