All cycling eyes recently have been on the Yellow Jersey chase in France and the Velodrome in Glasgow, Chris Froome and Mark Cavendish both exited the Tour de France early on and although Sir Bradley got Silver at the Commonwealth Games, everyone had hoped for Gold and a triumphant return to the track…..
Whilst the above were taking place there was something else going on in the cycling world. It was the B.M.X World Championship in Holland.
BMX takes place over a 300M – 400M purpose built concrete track. The riders start from individual starting gates and emerge into a downhill straight, racing to the first corner. I hadn’t realised how exciting it is to watch.
I caught up with one of Team G.B’s leading junior riders – Jay Bovill on his return to the U.K. He’s currently ranked number one in the British Cycling rankings (Male 10 category). Last August he romped home to Gold at the British Championships and he finished 4th at the recent World championships in Holland in his age group…. Not bad for a nine year old.
As well as Team G.B. Jay is a member of Derby B.M.X. and rides a Meybo. He is also sponsored Meybo. Jay first rode a bike unaided at four and by seven he was on a B.M.X and winning competitions.
I managed to talk to him for a few moments. He loves competing In B.M.X as it allows him to see different places and meet up with his BMX mates. His sights are already set on improving his fourth place next year at the World Championships in Zolder, Belgium, how’s that for focused?
I asked him what his ambition was? He replied, ‘To get on the National Talent scheme in Manchester…..’
As I write this I’m assuming he’s getting himself ready to defend his title at the 2014 British Championships in Kent during late August.
What does the future hold for this talented young man, a future Men’s Masters World Championship title?, an Olympic Gold? I don’t know. What I do know though, is that his parents must be bursting with pride.
EDIT……..STOP PRESS. 24/08/14……. Jay has just retained his British Champion male 10 title. Massive well done from the Veloballs team
Last Updated on April 29, 2023
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