Press Office

2006 Spring Classic -9th April 2006  

Last Sunday saw the Royston Rockets BMX Racing Club travelling to Norwich for the first event of the 2006 BMX Racing Summer season to compete in the East Anglian Spring Classic. Although this was meant to be the summer season, the weather was cold and the wind increased the chill factor aided by regular and heavy showers of rain and even hail gave the riders thoroughly unpleasant conditions in which to race. Over 100 riders from around the country took part and despite the weather the good condition of the track made for some very competitive racing.

 The race format followed that of the main regional series, which is to follow throughout the summer and the Rockets had riders in many of the classes.  The clubs newest members were competing in the 9 and Under Novice class where Jasia Blanche showed great potential as she battled against the wind and rain to take 3^rd overall just ahead of fellow club members, Ted Dalleywater in 4^th and Oliver Snelling in 5^th, who were both taking part in their first Regional level race meeting. Moving into the “Expert” classes the Rockets had Daniel Blanche competing in the 6 and Under class where he finished in 2^nd whilst in the 7-8 year class Ethan Lewis took 4^th place, Aaron Dalleywater finished in 6^th and Bradan Blanche in 8^th. Moving up to the 9-10 year group, Louis Burton finished in 5^th just ahead of team mate Kyle Gutteridge who finished in 6^th and in the 11-12 class Ben Gutteridge took a fine 3^rd just ahead of Aston Blanche who took 4^th. Following his younger brothers example, Wayne Gutteridge took 3^rd in the 13-14 class with Antony Taylor taking 5^th.  The Rockets other female rider, Katie Roberts, decided to take on the of 15-16 years male class where she finished in a creditable 7^th and her brother Jonathan took 8^th in the 17+ class which was combined with the “Master Class” to give the older riders more experience. The classes were split out after the racing, which left Royston’s only Masterclass rider, Richard Townsend, taking 3^rd after a race long battle with other top class national competitors.

 The next event on the race calendar is the first round of the East Anglia Summer Series at Milton Keynes on April 23rd where the Rockets will be out in force to gain points towards their regional ranking and to qualify for the British Championships to be held in September.

 Full details of 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.