Ireland's Kelvin Batey has taken this country's first BMX world title at the World Championships in New Zealand
Having been denied a place at the London Olympics by a crash in the final qualifying race, Ireland’s Kelvin Batey has raced to a BMX world title after more than two decades in the sport.
Racing in the powerful and technical cycling discipline, Batey qualified for the final by winning three qualifying rounds and came through the quarter and semi-finals to win the final from Dutchman Dorus Brink and Australian Luke Pretlove.
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 categor, in preparation for the World Championships this week.
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Speaking from New Zealand, an elated Batey, who has been racing since he was six years old, said he was delighted to take the rainbow jersey.
“It’s taken 25 years, but it’s definitely worth the wait. Finally; World Champion.”
British-based PE teacher, Batey has been involved in the resurrection and development of BMX in Ireland and has included two young Irish riders on his BMX team, Route 55.
“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,” he said of his victory.
Batey is Ireland’s sole representative at the World Championships in New Zealand and is on a self-financed trip. Racing continues in the Vector Arena, Auckland, until Sunday.
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