Live

Highlights on Off The Ball

07:00 AM-01:00 PM

Highlights on Off The Ball
Advertisement
Golf

Forget the Tour de France, Ireland has a new BMX world champion

Kelvin Batey claimed the Masters title at the World BMX Championships in Zolder, Belgium, on...



Forget the Tour de France, Ire...
Golf

Forget the Tour de France, Ireland has a new BMX world champion

Kelvin Batey claimed the Masters title at the World BMX Championships in Zolder, Belgium, on Wednesday afternoon.

Batey, won the title in New Zealand two years ago, moved from the pro ranks into the Masters ranks that features riders in their early 30s.

Despite being born in Britain, he declared for Ireland and progressed through the qualifying rounds today to take his place in the final this week.

A strong start saw Batey stay with the early pace setters and once he edged out in front, he never looked in any difficulty.

He moved a couple of metres clear of the chasing pack and cruised to victory in front of the jubilant travelling support.

BMX is growing with popularity in Ireland and this was evident in the numbers who travelled to support the riders, with the competition catering for those as young as five.  

Batey qualified to ride the 2008 Beijing Olympics for Great Britain but was forced to miss out because of injury.

He was cruelly kept from competing in the London 2012 games after a crash in his final qualifying race marred his campaign.

 

Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!

Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.