Danny Nicholls ,10, from Wellesley Park school took a big step towards becoming a future BMX champion by claiming third place in his age group at the South West Regional Series 2013 Finals at Burnham-on-Sea last month.
His success is the result of months of training and competition that started in April. Points gained from his performances in 9 separate events at different venues from Cornwall to Bristol led to qualification as a finalist. On the circuit he competed both as an individual and for Tiverton BMX Club who were ranked 2nd in the South West behind champions Bristol.
All BMX riders from elite level to the youngest juniors compete on the same 300 – 400 metre track but, as Danny explained, “the jumps, bumps and berms are graded for different age groups. Elite riders get the hardest ones.”
Danny, who is in Year 6, said, “I really like BMX. You get to make friends with other competitors and it’s great exercise.”
BMX is just one of a range of cycle sports that are enjoying a huge surge in interest following British successes at last year’s Olympics. Others include road and track cycling, speedway and cyclo-cross – all of them available either in or near Wellington. The town does not have its own BMX track but young and adult riders don’t have far to go to Tiverton to find one.