Andover BMX Club delivered a statement performance last weekend as it hosted the opening round of the 2026 South Region BMX Series, welcoming an impressive 438 riders from across the region.
With 55 competitors representing the host club, it proved to be a standout occasion both on and off the track, as riders enjoyed a full day of high-energy racing under clear blue skies.
The Andover contingent rose to the occasion in style, with 30 riders progressing through the knockout stages to reach the coveted “Main” finals. The club secured an outstanding nine category wins alongside a further eight podium finishes, underlining its strength in depth at the very start of the season.
Among the standout performances, Tommy Haddleton (Open 17–18) claimed his first-ever regional victory, while Arthur Mason (Male 10) continued his excellent form by securing a second consecutive regional win. Newcomer Ethan Beverage also made an immediate impression, taking first place in the Mixed Under 6 category at his first summer regional event.
One of the most thrilling moments of the day came in the Open 15 category, where teammates Newton Hindley and Oscar Jewell went head-to-head in a gripping final. Hindley took the win, with Jewell close behind in second, as both riders recorded personal best track times.
The event was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Test Valley, who witnessed the club’s continued success and personally congratulated four of its female riders currently ranked among the best in the world.
Among them was Sarah Jane Nichols, 55, widely regarded as the “Godmother of BMX”. A former World Champion in 1986, she has enjoyed a remarkable return to the sport in recent years, reaching the World Championship final in the USA in 2024 and securing another podium finish last year. Now ranked World No.3 in the Women 40+ Cruiser category—despite competing against riders more than a decade her junior—Nichols continues to prove that age is no barrier in BMX racing.
Annabel Townsend, 18, has also enjoyed a breakthrough period, rising to World No.5 in the Women 17–24 category. Reflecting on her achievements, she described it as “mind-blowing” to hold a world plate. Her success was further underlined by victory at the British Championships in Kent, capping a remarkable year before beginning university in Portsmouth.
There was also a strong showing from Esme Ward, 13, who impressed throughout the heats and knockout rounds to reach the final. She held a commanding position for much of the race before an unfortunate crash on the final corner saw her finish eighth after sustaining an injury.
Betty Wills, 11, has also been enjoying an exceptional run of form following her return to the club. Having already claimed National and British titles in the age group above her own, she went on to secure European No.2 in Latvia and World No.4 in Denmark in the Female 10 category, further highlighting the club’s growing international pedigree.
This strong start to the 2026 campaign builds on an exceptional 2025 for Andover BMX Club, which saw a record number of World Championship finalists and cemented its reputation as one of the UK’s leading BMX racing organisations.
With performances like these, Andover BMX Club is not just competing—it is setting the pace for the season ahead.