Ireland’s top ranked BMX rider Kelvin Batey wins World Masters Title

Ireland’s top BMX Rider, Kelvin Batey (31), has won the World Title in the Masters event at the BMX World Championships in New Zealand. Racing in the powerful and technical cycling discipline, Batey qualified for the final by winning three rounds, and came through the quarter and semi-finals to win the Finals from Dorus Brink (NED) and Luke Pretlove (AUS). Batey took the Master’s title from the Pre-race Favourites Argentinian duo Becerine and Colombo, who crashed in the first corner in the final.

Batey missed qualifying for the Olympic Games last year by one point, and moved into the Master’s Category this year. He has already clocked up several podium places in the British National Series in the Elite category, in preparation for the World Championships, this year.

Speaking from New Zealand, an elated Batey, who has been racing since he was six years old, said “It’s taken 25 years, but it’s definitely worth the wait. Finally – World Champion.”
BMX, as a discipline, is unique in cycling, insofar as the age profile of competitors can be as young as 5 years of age. The sport involves developing a highly technical skill set, which is best developed at a young age, along with developing power and speed.

Britain based PE Teacher, Batey has been involved in the resurrection and development of BMX, as a sport, in Ireland, and has included 2 young Irish riders on his BMX Team, Route 55. Speaking about the significance of his win, Batey said “The sport is coming on a lot back home, so this is another step in the right direction and hopefully will bring more people to BMX.”

BMX is an exciting growing sport in Ireland, and by the end of this year Ireland is likely to have 7 official BMX Tracks. Plans are already in place for a European Standard Race Track in Lucan, and Ratoath BMX Track boasts the largest cycling club membership in Europe. The indoor BMX Track in Cherry Orchard is ideal for development and learning for young BMX riders in particular, and ongoing fundraising efforts are required to secure the future of the facility.

Kelvin Batey was Ireland’s sole representative at the World Championships in New Zealand, where racing continues in the Vector Arena, Auckland, until Sunday 28th July.