Kelvin Batey – Ireland’s new World Champion
Kelvin Batey – Ireland’s new World Champion
Ireland’s top BMX Rider, Kelvin Batey (31), has won the World Title in the Masters event at the BMX World Championships in New Zealand. Kelvin qualified for the final by winning his three moto’s, the first from gate 8 (no easy task), and came through his quarter and semi-final to win the Final from Dorus Brink (NED) and Luke Pretlove (AUS). Kelvin took the Master’s title from the pre-race favourites Argentinian duo Becerine and Colombo.
It’s not the first worlds podium for Kelvin, he has already been on it twice but this is his first Gold.
Speaking from New Zealand, an elated Kelvin, who has been racing since he was six years old, said “It’s taken 25 years, but it’s definitely worth the wait. Finally – World Champion.”
Britain based PE Teacher, Kelvin has been involved in the resurrection and development of BMX in Ireland, and has included 2 young Irish riders on his BMX Team, Route 55. Speaking about the significance of his win, Kelvin said “The sport is coming on a lot back home, so this is another step in the right direction and hopefully will bring more people to BMX.”
Kelvin Batey was Ireland’s sole representative at the World Championships in New Zealand, where racing continues in the Vector Arena, Auckland, until Sunday 28th July.
Once Kelvin gets back from New Zealand we’ll get his thoughts on the whole experience, it’ll probably take a few days for it to fully sink in.
Download the full Masters Results HERE
BMX IRELAND CONGRATULATE KELVIN ON HIS W1 PLATE
