Former BMX national champion Rob Beattie could not conceive of competing with his children when he was winning titles over 20 years ago.

At Easter it will become a reality when Mt Wellington’s Beattie rides at the 2019 FIRST BMX National Championships with his sons, 8 year old Ethan and Rocco who is six.

The trio will be competing on their home track at Merton Rd Reserve, Glen Innes over Easter weekend, 19-21 April.

While BMX is an Olympic sport, it is often still perceived to be a kid’s domain.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Rob will be competing in the Men’s 35-39 years class on Easter Sunday, the same day as Rocco takes on the Boys 6 year class. Ethan will race on Saturday 20 April.

Eight hundred riders from the age of four to 67 will take part in the three day event – there is also racing on Good Friday – at the East City BMX Club track.

Ethan is in his second season of racing, while Rocco started last September.

“I was bringing the boys to the track and some of the old timers I used to race were telling me to get back on a bike,” says Beattie, who reckons he is enjoying it just as much as the boys.

You don’t forget how to ride a bike he says. “I’ve got back into the rhythm of it pretty quickly even though there are a lot more jumps and obstacles on the tracks now.”

“I decided I might as well ride, rather than just sitting around watching the kids.”

Beattie won the first of his titles in 1988 and then took five consecutive championships between 1993 and 1997, after which he retired.

“It will be great to ride the nationals with the boys. I never thought I’d be doing this when I used to race.”

This year is just the second time East City has hosted the National Championships, having previously held the meeting in 2004.

CAPTION: Rocco (left), dad Rob and Ethan (right) will all compete at the FIRST BMX National Championships in Auckland this April.

Written by John Coker.

For further information please contact:
John Coker
Past President East City BMX Club
021 537 250