Hawks 2023 British Cycling BMX Regional School Of Racing intake

The British Cycling BMX Regional School Of Racing (RSR) is the second stage of the British Cycling Talent Development Pathway. Stage 1 is the Development Centres (a report from the last one of those can be found here.) and stage 3 is the National School Of Racing.

Hawks’ own Rider Development Pathway is aligned to the British Cycling Talent Development Pathway, so that as riders progress through our own pathway, they are becoming more competent in the qualifying skills and thus increasing their eligibility for inclusion. The Hawks Rider Development Pathway is available as a document, here. If you have any questions about the pathway, please speak to the coaches before or after a training session.

Each year, any rider who will be between 13 and 16 and who has met the qualifying criteria can apply for inclusion in the RSR.

This year, four people applied to join Cody and Megan on the programme. Cody and Megan were successful in their own applications last year, and so did not need to apply again this year.

The Club is really pleased to be able to say that all four of the people that applied were successful in their applications. To help you celebrate their success with them, we wanted to take the time to introduce you to them all.

Here, in alphabetical order, are the four riders that join Cody and Megan who are already participating in the RSR.

Benjamin

2022 was Benjamin’s first season racing at a National level, and he was lucky to make a few B Finals throughout the year which helped him make the grade to qualify for the RSR.

Where Benjamin lacks in experience and results in comparison to the others in the intake, he has to be credited for the hard work he put into improving his flat skills over the last couple of years to put himself in contention for qualification, in particular his wheelies and his manuals. The hope for Benjamin is now that he continues to work on and develop his flat skills, and that inclusion in the RSR gives him a little confidence boost that might assist him in delivering improved results in this year’s Nationals.

Chay

The oldest member of the intake, Chay, is a stalwart of the Hawks Regional and National racers.

Chay’s the only person that this author has ever seen ride the whole track while sat on his bike backwards. Chay’s bike control skills are unquestionably good, as anyone who’s seen him glide over a track will know.

Chay’s had a stunning few race seasons recently, and probably should already have been in the RSR programme. Unfortunately, Covid, among others things, has denied him that opportunity. And so we’re really glad that he has now been recognised and included.

Nate

Nate, who based on the author’s research had only previously taken part in a couple of National rounds in 2021 had a fantastic season in 2022.

During the data collection session, Nate was accomplished, consistently demonstrating his ability to meet the qualifying criteria. We’re glad that these abilities have been recognised and that he’s been included in the RSR intake.

Tate

A consumate racer, and a regular presence in National Mains since April 2017, Tate was sadly absent through a lot of last year owing to a nasty injury he picked up in training.

Thankfully, Tate is now back in training and recently competed in his first race since his injury.

Tate’s ability and experience was on display when we did the data collection session and there was no question in anyone’s minds regarding Tate’s eligibility. We’re really pleased to see that the selection panel at British Cycling agreed, and that Tate’s been included in the RSR intake this year.