Shaun scoops BMX World and Euro double
9 August 2004
Preston BMX rider Shaun Calvert has steered his way to an incredible double by winning the World and European Championships in the space of a fortnight - a first for a UK competitor.
41-year-old Calvert, the UK’s no.1 over 40’s rider, triumphed in the 40-44 age class in BMX’s premier European and global events during July.
The father of one who lives in Preston said: “I’m delighted to win the World-Euro double as I had set out to achieve this from the beginning of the year. I began training and competing in the younger age categories leading up to the championships to sharpen up my performance and it’s clearly worked.
“The competition was, as you would expect, very fierce and I had to come from awkward positions in both championships to pick up vital wins in the qualifying rounds. I am very proud to become the first UK competitor to complete the double in one season.”
Roger Wilbraham, BMX & Mountain Bike Events Co-ordinator at British Cycling, praised the twin achievements of Calvert: “Winning both championships is an outstanding achievement by Shaun, especially considering the time he took off from racing. He’s one of the most dedicated and talented riders throughout any age level,” said Wilbraham.
“I also know he does a lot of community-relations work bringing youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds into the sport. It’s his goal to have a BMX track in Preston, which would be great for regional sport.”
The 2004 European Championships was held on 9 July in Klatovy, Czech Republic where Calvert out manoeuvred 40 other riders.
Two weeks later he was back on the saddle competing in the Worlds in Valkenwaard, near Enidhoven in Holland. Beating off 46 competitors, including the reigning champion and world no.1, Calvert secured a memorable double-winning summer.
Calvert’s next target is the British Championships in September at Cheddar, Somerset, where he is already well-placed to defend his British title.
Calvert also thanked his sponsors, which include Preston law firm, MWR Solicitors and his wife, Sarah who works at MWR.
“MWR Solicitors kindly provide all my kit with Edwardes Cycles in London and One Bicycles in Holland looking after my equipment. I’m also sponsored by Hayley Industrial in Manchester and Aden Tudor Printers in Preston.
“I owe a huge thanks to all these organisations for their continued and much-needed support. I look forward to delivering more success this and next season,” said Shaun.
Altaf Patel, partner at MWR Solicitors, added: “We are delighted at the achievements of Shaun this season; it’s great to have a true champion in our midst. MWR are proud to be sponsoring Shaun and we wish him the very best of luck for the forthcoming British Championships.”
