Isidorte and Featherstone crowned champions
Ellie Featherstone and Quillan Isidore were crowned British champions on day two of the HSBC UK | British BMX Championships in Derby today.
Both won their maiden elite British title as Featherstone claimed the Championship Women and Isidore the Superclass category, two of a further 20 titles were awarded in glorious sunshine at Alvaston Park.
After a handful of second-placed finishes at this level, Isidore finally got his hands on the title, leading Curtis Manaton and Calum Strickland over the line after both Kyle Evans and Paddy Sharrock had crashed out.
Afterwards, Isidore said: “Kyle had gate 1, and he’s renowned for his fast starts, so I knew I had to get in front straight away. I got my best gate of the day and it was tight down the whole first straight, trying to shut them off. When I got in front I just held it from there and tried to stay smooth.
“After getting three seconds in a row, I’m very happy! I’ve been struggling this year to deliver a performance when it matters. I just wanted to come out here and get a win against some fast people, so I’m proud of myself for doing that.”
Also winning her first British title was Featherstone, who said: “You never know what to expect – it’s tight racing, especially on this track. I’ve really enjoyed it though, and I wanted to give my best and prove myself, so being British champion for the first time is an amazing feeling.”
Elsewhere, Jay Bovill took victory in the Junior Men’s race – a category which has been incredibly closely-fought across the course of the season.
He said: “I didn’t expect that. I’m not necessarily the quickest on the track, but it went my way this time. It’s amazing to get the win – it could have been anyone, as it’s so close between all of us.”
Earlier, there was a win in the Female 13 category for world champion Betsy Bax, while Freia Challis – also a world champion – took second place in the Male 11 category, as she continues to compete in the boys’ races.