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12-Year-Old Hillsborough Boy Wins National BMX Race

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By STEPHEN HAMMILL | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 18, 2008

LUTZ - Tyler Heinrichs, 12, is getting used to winning.

The northwest Hillsborough County youngster recently beat out hundreds of riders in his class at a national BMX racing competition in Columbus, Ohio.

The races, the President's Cup and the Christmas Classic, held Dec. 27-29, were sponsored by the National Bicycle League.

"His first national race, he won. It's incredible," said his father, Art Heinrichs, who is president of Tampa BMX Raceway in Lake Park, where Tyler trains.

Tyler practices three days a week, competing in individual and team races twice a week. Weeknight practices at the park typically draw 50 to 60 youngsters.

"It's unbelievable how many families come out to this," Art Heinrichs said.

Tyler wants to turn pro, like the heroes he sees at the national races, but his ultimate goal -- Olympic competition -- requires he remain an amateur.

BMX will be a medal sport for the first time at the Beijing Summer Olympics in August. Tyler is targeting the 2012 Games in London.

"It's a dream," his father said. "I wouldn't put it past him."

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