BY MIKE WOOF
South London’s BMX clubs from Brixton, Peckham and Merton made the short journey to the Cyclopark track, near Gravesend in Kent, for the second in the South Region series on March 27.
The event benefited from good racing weather, with not too much wind.
An impressive 530 riders turned up to compete in the event, with Brixton, Merton and Peckham BMX clubs making an impressive showing, competing in age classes from male six-and-under right up to 50-plus.
Riders from other London clubs Hackney and Hayes were present, as well as competitors from Andover, Bournemouth, Gosport, Gravesend, Knightwood and Runnymede clubs.
Some riders also came from other regions, getting in practice for the National Series race to be held shortly at the notoriously challenging Cyclopark track.
Without listing all the many riders from the three clubs who competed, special mentions must go to four riders who stood out.
Brixton and Peckham coach Dean Reeves came third in the ultra competitive payback class riding for Peckham.
Oscar Chambers, from Brixton, came first in a strong field in the male-10 class. Highly impressive was the first place for Brixton’s Lukah McKenzie, riding up a year in the very competitive male 17-29 class instead of the 16-class he would normally be riding in.
And last of all, special praise for ‘daddy’ Nigel Whyte, father of Olympic silver medallist Kye Whyte, who came second in grand veterans.
PICTURES: PHIL JONES
Main Pic: Brixton and Peckham coach Dean Reeves catching air – image © courtesy of Phil Jones