BMX riders from Andover experienced some incredible results at the largest cycling event in history in Glasgow earlier this month.
Andover BMX Club sent 16 riders to the UCI Cycling World Championships to compete in the BMX Challenge classes as part of the Great Britain team.
While there was action from elite riders from around the world competing for a rainbow jersey at the BMX track in Glasgow, the event also saw over 2,300 rides from 40-plus countries competing in 41 male and female categories from aged eight to 50 plus.
READ MORE: Enham Shop and Post Office launches milkshake club
Of the riders from Andover, only two had competed at this level before but by the end of the event, all could say they had raced amongst the very best in their age group from around the globe.
Many of our riders were able to progress beyond the heats and participate in the knockout rounds with a couple, Esme Ward and Damien Mead, making it as far as the semi-finals which places them in the world’s top 16 riders for their age group.
A special mention must go to nine-year-old Beau Morris who was the youngest rider fielded by Andover BMX club and missed out on the knockout rounds by just one point.
SEE ALSO: Andover Ramblers: New public footpath opens in Penton Mewsey
For one rider, the experience culminated in the ultimate opportunity, progressing through all the knockout rounds and racing in the category final. Newton Hindley, who raced in both the Male 12 group and the Male u12 Cruiser category, finished sixth on his 24” Cruiser BMX.
Andover BMX club chairman Eric Esslemont said: “We are so proud of all the riders from Andover BMX Club that qualified and raced at the World Championships this year.
“It has been wonderful to see them all, young and young at heart, enjoying the experience of racing at the largest cycling event in history.
“We have grown fantastically in the last few years and their successes, regionally, nationally and internationally are testament to the many hours of training and dedication they put into this wonderful sport. Some are already planning on racing at the next World Champs in Rock Hill USA next year while others are looking ahead to Copenhagen in 2025."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel