Go-Ride club Roch Valley Raiders BMX held their first Go-Ride Racing event at the BMX track in Heywood’s Queens Park on Saturday 23rd February.
Go-Ride Racing events offer entry level, local competition for young cyclists under the age of 16. Go-Ride Racing is British Cycling's exciting competition programme which helps young riders make the transition from club coaching sessions to inter club and open regional competition.
19 rider’s aged between 5 and 16 braved the freezing temperatures to take part in the first race to be held at the track since the BMX club re-launched in 2009. 4 riders raced the 6 and under race. This was the first event that the young riders had participated in; with each rider having to compete in 3 motos.1st place was awarded to Ollie Rothwell aged 5; after he won 1st place in all 3 of his motos.
The 7-9 years race was won by Connell Whittaker aged 9, who had only joined the club that day and had never ridden the track before.
The under 14’s expert race was extremely exciting and had spectators guessing who would take the 1st place, with 2 riders on equal points after 2 motos. 1st place went to Daniel Robertson aged 10 and Adam Rostron aged 12, after a nail biting final moto. Oliver Stansfield aged 5 was hot on the heels of all the riders in this category, despite his young age.
At the end of the event all the riders were presented with certificates and medals by club chairman Craig Stansfield and BMX track builder Phil ‘Hudu’ Charnley.
The race was the first of 6 events that will be held at the track. It was a huge success, watched by the families of the riders and the dog walkers and park users of Queen’s Park who stopped to watch the racing.
Tamsin Johnson whose twins aged 5 both raced for the 1st time commented “Jake and Finn haven’t stopped talking about the race and they are taking their medals to school on Monday. Thank you for giving them such an exciting day.”
The next race is due to take place on Saturday 30th March. If you would like more details on the event please contact Yvonne Mills (club secretary) by email heywoodbmx@live.co.uk or telephone on 07954 413 061.
