Press Office

National Round 4 - 18th June 2006  

BMX racers from the Royston Rockets BMX Racing Club were competing in round four of the National BMX Summer Series in Cheddar last weekend. In complete contrast to the weather at round three, which left the camping and spectators area under water this weekend was hot and sunny although the slightly overcast conditions on Sunday made racing a little easier for the competitors. Almost 350 riders from around the country took part, many there to gain track experience before the venue plays host to the BMX European Championships over the weekend of July 8/9^th.  

The Rockets youngest rider at the event, Daniel Blanche, competing in the 6 and Under class finished in 4^th, whilst in the 7 year class “B” Final Bradan Blanche finished in 3^rd. Ethan Lewis took another 5^th place in the 8yr class and Royston’s four riders in the 10 yr class had a varied day with three of them making their way through to the semi finals but only Zach Stevens made the “A” final where he took 2nd, whilst in the “B” Final James Handleigh took the win just ahead of team mate, Louis Burton in 3^rd and Kyle Gutteridge just missed out on a semi final place as he slid out in one of his qualifying races. Moving up to the male 11-12 year class both the Rockets found the going tough and neither Aston Blanche or Ben Gutteridge managed to qualify for the semi finals and in the 13-14 class Wayne Gutteridge was another unfortunate rider to just miss qualification to the semi finals whilst team mate Antony Taylor managed to knock himself out of contention even before the racing started.

Katie Roberts, the Rockets only female rider at the event, took 1^st in the “B” Final of the Junior Female class whilst her brother Jonathan continued his excellent start to this years racing with 3rd in the Junior Male class. In the 30-39 Cruiser class, Dave Godfrey continued his challenge for top national rankings with 4^th in the “A” final and in the “Masters” (30+) class, Lee Alexander took 7^th in the “A” final to confirm he has recovered from recent injury.

The three Elite Class riders also had a variable day on the track with Richard Townsend just missing out on the semi finals whilst Chris Mapp to 8th in the “B” final and Laurence Mapp finished in 4th in the class “A” final.

 The clubs regular Tuesday night sessions at the clubs track in Burns Road, Royston are now in full swing with the gates opening at 6pm where anyone with a BMX or MTB bike is welcome to come along to find out more about the sport. Full details of this and other forthcoming club and regional events are published on the club web site at www.roystonrockets.co.uk, or ring 01763 260959 for more information on BMX racing.