27 January 2006
The first ever professional race on the new National Standard BMX Circuit at Parc Bryn Bach was successfully held on Sunday 22nd January.
Over 30 amateur and professional riders competed in different age categories at the race, watched by over a hundred spectators. Competitors and spectators attended from as far away as Bournemouth and Birmingham and the previous day’s practice also saw a large number of riders trying out the track.
In the Youth Under 10’s category, local boy Connor Bevan took the honours, while in the Junior Male 10-16 category, Alex Jones was first, Martyn Davis second and Rhys Davis third. Proving that it’s not just a sport for the boys, Manon Carpenter took the Junior Female crown.
There were many famous faces in the Male 16+ category – winner Lewis Lacy from Bournemouth is currently British BMX and 4X No.1 and BMX World No.10. Will Evans took second place and he is currently No.8 in the British 4X Series. Third place went to Blaenau Gwent’s Christian Dix, who you may have seen on posters, flyers and the new Parc Bryn Bach brochure as “the face of BMX at Parc Bryn Bach.”
Finally, the Masters 30+ category saw Masters National Champion Ian Hopkins take first place, with Jason Carpenter, who helped to design and build the BMX track, take second and Alex Follie take third.
Councillor Steve Thomas, Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing – Healthy Living, said: “On its first use in a professional race, the computerised start gate functioned perfectly and the whole event was very well-managed. This puts Parc Bryn Bach in a very strong position in the run-up to hosting a stage of the British National BMX Championships on the track in May 2006. It is such a fantastic facility for Blaenau Gwent to have and we hope that it will continue to be widely used by both local people and BMX riders from across the UK and further a-field.”
There’s also more BMXing to enjoy in the weeks to come. On Saturday 28th January, special “Taster Days” will be held to allow you to try the track. Supported by the Welsh Cycling Union, experienced riders will be on hand to help you improve your skills and confidence. BMX will be an Olympic sport from Beijing 2008 so now’s a good time for the stars of the future to get practicing!
Then, it’s back to the thrill of racing with the second of the BMX 4X Winter Series events on Sunday 26th February 2006. As usual, there’ll be a practice day beforehand on Saturday 25th February 2006. After the success of last week’s events, the next event promises to be even bigger and better. The finale of the BMX 4X Winter Series is on Sunday 19th March 2006, with a practice day on Saturday 18th March 2006. There’ll also be “Taster Days” the weekend after each race so you can watch the race and then do it yourself.
The prizes were donated by DP Cycles, Blackwood, Gateway Cycles, Abergavenny, Halfords, Merthyr Tydfil and Influence Clothes, Tredegar.
For more information or to enter the BMX 4X Winter Series, please contact Parc Bryn Bach on 01495 711816 or visit our website http://www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/
