Sheffield, home to some of the UK’s most talented riders, hosts one of Europe’s most prestigious BMX competitions as the etnies Backyard Jam 2006 (EBYJ) turns ICE Sheffield into a BMX Mecca on 27th–29th October 2006. Complete with a street course expertly crafted by Nate Wessell of X Games notoriety, a retail area and more international stars than the World Cup!, the EBYJ is certainly one event NOT to miss this year.

Nina Buitaro & Stacey Mulligan at last year’s event

Following the mind-blowing riding that was laid down at the etnies Backyard Jam 2005 in Brighton, including the breaking of a UK Record in the Snickers Highest Bunny Hop contest, the EBYJ 2006 is coming back bigger and better to celebrate its 13th successful year as the UK’s leading core event.

The riders list grows year on year and in 2006 it certainly reads like the BMX hall of fame with riders from teams such as etnies, SNICKERS ® and Primo including Ben Hennon (UK), Morgan Wade (US, X Games 2006 Street Silver Medalist), Josh Stricker (US), Aaron Ross (US), Bas Keep (UK), Taj Mihelich (US), Ali Whitton (UK), Gary Young (US), Max Vincent (CAN), Chase Hawk (US) and Matt Beringer (US), to name just a few. With such a line up coupled with worldwide eminence, credibility and the infamous EBYJ relaxed format we have all come to know and love, the riders will certainly push themselves, get technical and break boundaries to perform progressive tricks in the battle for the premium prize money, and ultimately, the coveted EBYJ title.

Friday, the opening day of the event, will see 60 Experts battle it out in heated qualifiers for the honourable 16 finalist spots in Saturday’s Expert final. Following that, a record 100 Pros take to the course, for their qualifiers, the top 16 of which will come back on Sunday for the prestigious Pro Final and some fearless action.

If that was not enough, the Snickers Bunny Hop, etnies Highest Air and the Snickers Best Trick contests on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, respectively, will definitely hype the crowd to a frenzy and push the excitement through the roof.

This year, to accommodate the overwhelming amount of riders wanting to compete at the EBYJ each year, the organisers have created a series of amateur events located around the country to ensure more BMX enthusiasts from more areas of the UK can experience competing in this world class event. The top 15 riders from each of the qualifier events will instantly qualify to compete at the EBYJ and perform in the main arena with some of the world’s most highly regarded pro riders.

In previous years the event has sold out quickly so log on to www.backyardjam.com or call 0845 310 3660 to book your tickets and get the latest news.

The etnies Backyard Jam in association with Snickers and Primo is at ICE Sheffield 27–29th October 2006. Opening times: 11am to 7pm for the public and 10am to 7pm for the riders. No access with bikes for the public.