VALLA’S Simon Belfield is on his way to the UCI 2026 BMX World Championships in Brisbane in July and the 58-years-young rider has a message for others of his vintage.
“You are never too old to do the things you love and let’s face it, if you have to keep active you may as well do something you enjoy,” Belfield said.
“I see so many people who are unhealthy for so many reasons and they can’t do what they love, but a lot of the time it’s motivation.”
Belfield started BMX racing as a 12-year-old in 1980 and certainly doesn’t lack motivation. He says BMX is not for the faint-hearted.
“There are many thrills and spills,” he said. “Starting from a five-metre hill, reaching speeds of around 40km/h, negotiating four to five straights, 180-degree corners, with numerous jumps along the way, a race is completed in around 40 seconds,” he said.
“It’s all self-generated power. You basically destroy all your energy. You need power, speed, skill, fitness. Particularly at my age, by the time you get to the finish your muscles are shot.”
Belfield is a member of the Coffs Coast BMX Club and rides at the Toormina track.
Other club members who qualified for the upcoming world titles are Erica Graham, David Graham, James Booth and Steven Longhurst.
Riding in the 50 years-plus division, and at his first world titles, Belfield will be competing against riders who are significantly younger, but will be giving it his all.
“You’ve got to be very confident with your bike, yourself, your gear,” Belfield said. “You can’t go out with any fear when you smash out of the gate.
“I’m a realist. If I can make the quarter finals I’ll be very happy.”
By Mike HELY
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