A PREVIOUS BMX world champion visited Andover last month as the regional BMX series came to town.

2013 Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) champ Kelvin Batey was present as Andover BMX circuit hosted round five of the South Region series, with almost 400 riders taking part.

The pro-BMX rider, who competes internationally for Ireland, held a training session prior to the event which attracted riders from as far away as Kent and Wales for a day of action packed racing.

In total the club hosted over 120 races on the day with riders competing across a number of different age groups from under six to over 45s.

The event also drew a large crowd with families and friends cheering on their faYoung BMX star Harry Elliott vourite riders as they competed in the short 35-65 second races.

Commenting on the event, club secretary, Sarah Plowman said: “The action was fabulous throughout the day with a number of local Andover riders making and, in some cases, winning the finals in their individual class.

“Apart from technical issues with the start gate, the day ran without a hitch and it was a credit to the club and the Andover district at large.

She added: “I’d like to give a special thanks to Hirebase Andover for the donation of equipment and thanks to Soldiers from 26 Royal Engineer Regiment for help with track maintenance.”

Following on from the event, Andover BMX club riders Jack Gordon Stables, 52 Andover Advertiser 10 July, 2015 andoveradvertiser.co.uk/sport Jordy Hart, Kyle Summerfield, Arne Esslemont, Kai Blane and Ady Rumsey will now compete in the UCI World Championship competition later this month.

The event, due to take place on Tuesday 21 July, will be held in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium, and will see riders from across the globe compete for the title of BMX World Champion.

The club, which is community run and funded, is also currently hoping to recruit more riders.

Anyone interested is invited to join in the group’s training sessions which take place on Saturday between 12-2pm.

Alternatively you can find out more information by visiting the group’s website at andoverbmx.co.uk.