2024 UEC European Championships, Verona | Braintree Bullets
Written by Briantree Bullets BMX Club
Photo Navada Photography
2024 UEC European Championships, Verona | Braintree Bullets
Written by Briantree Bullets BMX Club
Photo Navada Photography
Braintree Bullets are celebrating more international success as Freia Challis backed up her World Championship win at the beginning of the month by bringing home the 16-year-old girls European Champions title from Verona Italy last weekend. Challis was joined by eleven other Bullets at the three-day event, that featured over 1500 riders from 24 countries across Europe.
Challis put on an amazing performance throughout the days racing. The Halstead teenager won her heat but had lost a little time on her competitors as she had a puncture mid race and was close to having a completely flat tyre. Undeterred she went into the knockout rounds and went unbeaten through the quarter and semi-finals to take her place in the final as the favourite. Off the gate in the final, Challis put a bike length into the field and increased her lead throughout the lap to take the title for the second year running. After the race she said, ‘I had many emotions through the day, but I couldn’t be happier to come away with the title. It’s an honour to wear the European Champions Jersey. Thanks to all my support team for having my back at every race.’
On the opening day of racing, Holly Bishop made her way to 2nd in the 9 year old girls class after some fantastic on track action. Bishop had to make moves every race to put herself into qualifying positions and took her spot amongst the top qualifiers in the finals. In the final, the youngster got a fantastic start and was up with the leaders, as they went into the first corner. On the exit, Bishop had a strong position to make an inside line in the second corner and used her line to make the pass for the podium position.
Holly’s sister Poppy Bishop also made the finals on the final day of racing. Fresh from the world championship final where she finished 6th, Bishop was looking for a podium spot at the Euros in the 11-year-old girls. Bishop was giving away nearly a foot in height to the other girls and had to use her amazing track skills to work through the pack through the qualifiers. In the final, she got out the gate well and was at the sharp end of the race when she was caught from behind on the second jump and went down hard. Regrettably, she had to receive medical care, but was later released to celebrate her 7th place finish.
Also taking to the stage were Heath Thomas – 14s, Freddie Richardson, Katie Millar and Oliver Tyers – 13s, Harry Tyers and Emma Kiss -12s.
The Bullets summer race series continues every Wednesday evening at their Deanery Hill track. For more information on the club, coaching and racing please check out www.braintreebmx.com