37 BMX riders from Ipswich BMX Club to compete in the Bournemouth Championships this weekend

Thirty-seven riders from the Ipswich BMX Club have been selected to compete in the Bournemouth Championships this week.

The riders, who all age from between four and 50+, qualified by racing the BMX East regional series all summer.

The British Championships is the culmination of British Cycling’s national season and class winners get to compete on the coveted 01 number plate the following year.

It will see them compete against over 1,300 riders from across the country.

Riders include Mark Steele and Lewis Allison, who have just returned from the World Championships.

Riley Taylor-Day and Blake Allison are both national riders who ride 'quite high up', according to the club.

The event is held over two days.

On Saturday, is when the under-12s and the cruisers - riders who use 24 inch wheels over the standard 20 inch ones - compete.

Sunday will see the over-13s perform.

Tracey Reeve from the Ipswich BMX club said: "All the riders have ridden amazingly since our new track and facilities were built.

"Having access to a 5m start hill, when most clubs will have a 3 to 4m hill puts them at a massive advantage.

"Our old track was in a bit of a state, which also meant we had difficulty training during bad weather conditions."

She added: "We're hoping we come back a few British plates."

Riders are given a ranking no matter where they come in the competition.