In a massive surge in popularity since becoming an Olympic sport, over 500 riders took part at the start of the National BMX race series in Cheddar.
New kids on the block, Shropshire-based Wrekin Riders BMX club brought four riders, some of whom were racing at the nationals for the very first time.
The club was without current National Series champion Mark Maddox, who is injured and likely to miss at least the early part of the season.
Mark’s son Tyler Stevenson, aged four and racing the nationals for the first time, had some great races to qualify and came sixth in the final – an awe-inspiring display.
Alex Macdonald, 10, continues to improve with some excellent starts and great tactical racing but lost out in a very strong field to just miss out on the final.
Up and comer Andy Johnson went elbow to elbow with several riders in the second berm, not giving an inch, but the national novice was forced back and missed out on the final.
Alex Fowlie entered two race classes, really putting on a show in the cruiser class, with a beautiful move in the last berm, entering it third and going high and wide before diving to the inside and pulling down the final straight to get through to the final where he came seventh.
Many other Shropshire Riders rode in the race meeting and did extremely well, such as Martin Brown who came third in the cruiser B final.
Newly elected chairperson Craig Matthews said: “The racing was awesome! There is no doubt that our winter and continued specialised training has had a good impact and we believe a number of riders are now destined for a great career in the sport.”
West Midlands got a further boost as it was announced Birmingham is to host the World BMX championships in 2012, to precede the Olympics at London.
Matthews added: “The club’s ambitions to move forward and challenge for regional, national, European and world titles are on schedule. We know there are future champions out there from Shropshire–all we have to do is find them and nurture them.”
For more information on the club contact Derek Owen on 07976 100 463 or look on the new club website www.wrekinriders.co.uk