Children get fast and furious in Nottingham bike race

Twenty-six young bike enthusiasts from across the country streamed to the BMX track in Bulwell near Nottingham for an exciting day’s racing.

The two- to- five-year-old competitors put a huge amount of effort and skill into their racing, which organisers rewarded with a gold medal. 

Racing over a series of heats, the pint-sized athletes braved the lumps and bumps along the BMX track, and soon started flying effortlessly around the course, without needing the helpers on hand.
The Strider Cup event was designed to encourage the next generation of British cyclists to get out and explore the world on two wheels in a safe play environment.

Melanie Thomas, director of Melrose Kids (the official UK distributor for Strider), said, ‘It was amazing to see the enjoyment of the kids and [it] just gave us a taste of the fun we’ll have throughout the year as the series of Strider events unfolds.’

The race highlighted the ability of balance bikes to teach children balance, coordination and confidence. Experts agree that it is counterproductive to teach a young child to rely on stabilisers, as it makes it harder to then switch to a two-wheeler.  

The Strider Cup series will culminate in a World Cup event in Manchester on 30 June, which will see 100 children from around the country race against each other on no-pedal balance bikes.

This flagship event will select the British balance bike champion who will be sent to Florida to represent the UK at the Strider World Championships in October.

The next UK race is on 26 May in Stratford-on-Avon. The Strider Cup events are free to enter.

• To find out more about the series visit www.stridercup.org.