ALMOST 70 riders competed in the first Hayes Hawks BMX club race of the autumn series on Saturday (23). 

The Novice categories give newer riders the opportunity to compete for the first time. 

Of the riders who lined up on the eight-person gate, 36 were novices keen to show their coaches just how much they had learned. 

In the 6 and under category, Joshua Ferreira, Aubrey Brunsden and Reggie Hodson battled it out with USA pocket rocket Jagger Hines, Reggie triumphing, to take his first W. 

For the club’s newest female racers, Rachel Prichard (9) and Poppy Oliver (13), being mixed in with the boys did not deter them.

Female participation in BMX racing is on the rise, since the Olympic success of Bethany Shriever, and Hayes Hawks welcome any new girls that would like to join. 

BMX is a family affair, too, and the Stocks brothers, Ezra and Jesse, had their second round of club racing – against each other.

Ezra took top spot, while Jesse, racing into the No.2 spot in his age category, bagged a free T-shirt from sponsor Bear Bones BMX. 

Brothers Alfie (10) and Oliver (7) Ford raced confidently, having had a little experience in regional racing this year.

Father and son duo Paul and Ben Adams raced hard in their respective age categories, with Dad Paul chasing the 15-16 boys around the track.

Even just lining up on the gate with these rapid teenagers should be applauded.

Next race in the series will be on Saturday, October 21 For newcomers, all equipment can be provided.