BMX brilliance for North Devon riders

The breathless sport of BMX riding was given a superb platform at the recent Olympic Games and it is also thriving right here in North Devon.

A total of 15 riders from the region, aged from seven to 54, descended on the British BMX Championships held in Derby, and three from Bideford BMX Club returned as British Champions, so congratulations to 11 year-old Joe Rooke, 14 year-old Lottie Brown and Rebecca Gohl in the Female 30+ division.

Rebecca also achieved British number 2 in the female 30+ cruiser class, while Kodie Harmer achieved British number 2 in the female 13-16 cruiser and British number 5 in the women's championship class. Archie Crocker-White finished British number 5 in male 11.

Caitlin Ellis achieved British number 2 in female 17-29. She currently rides for the North region of the country as she is studying in Manchester, but she is a Barnstaple homegrown talent. Elsie Blight made it to semi-finals for female 11, but unfortunately didn't make it to the final.

A further summary of their achievements included Lottie Brown winnning National number 2 in female 14s. Joe Rooke also won National number 5 in male 11s.

Elsie Blight won National number 7 in female 11s, Caitlin Ellis also won National number 6 in female 17-29s and Rebecca Gohl also won National number 1 in female 30+ and National number 2 in female 30+cruiser.

Kodie Harmer also won National number 7 in championship women and National number 2 in 13-16 female cruiser. 

A huge well done to all the riders. Some dreams became realities and others made goals to achieve for next year. Bideford BMX Club finished 4th overall in the club standings.

North Devon success extended to the Absolute BMX Team, an elite team run by a local lorry driver, Mark Ellis. They also managed to win both British and National championships this year across the elite teams. 

All of the riders named, except for Joe Rooke, ride for this team and all belong to Bideford BMX Club. Joe Rooke rides for Staystrong elite BMX team and also belongs to Bideford BMX Club. 

Other riders who attended were Jacob Squires, Riley Butt, Vinnie-Joe Butt, Dougie Butt (the Butt boys are Rebecca Gohl’s grandsons) Alby Blight, Leighton Gatting, Mishka Gatting, Justin Gatting, Jaxon Geary.