Brad set to take on the challenge of the World BMX Championships

Cranebrook BMX rider Brad Shaylor grabbed the 2016 BMX National Championships 15 years title in Bathurst.

Cranebrook BMX rider Brad Shaylor grabbed the 2016 BMX National Championships 15 years title in Bathurst.

The Xavier College student, who has been racing for five years, claimed the No.1 spot in Australia for 15-year-olds and is focusing on competing in the World BMX Championships in May in Colombia.

At Bathurst Brad said he relished the excellent start he achieved, which helped him win the race.

“I had a really good start to the inside line and the first corner and backed myself and continued to ride smart. I led the whole race,” Brad said.

Brad Shaylor in action.

A good start is key to a fast lap; 80 per cent of races are won from a good start.

“The competition was tough; we had the fastest riders in Australia. I like the competition, racing tight and bumping the other guys. I like jumping, getting in the air.”

Brad’s coach, Luke Madill, who runs the LMX BMX Club in Taylor Rd, Cranebrook, said the national championship was the biggest win in Brad’s career.

Brad Shaylor flies across the track.

He stepped up quickly in the past 12 months to claim the top spot.

“The win will give him a lot of confidence now that he has proved he can do it,’’ Madill said.

“He just dedicated himself to the sport and had the right approach to training. He started to see the result. It has been a slow process but he finally got to the top.”

Madill, who represented Australia in BMX at the Beijing Olympics and won the national title 12 times, said Brad needed to sharpen his skills on gate starts and some technical aspects on track skills to maintain his reign at the elite levels.

Brad Shaylor has claimed the 15 years BMX National Championship.

Madill said they visited Bathurst before the national race and worked out the fastest way around the track.

“Brad put in the best run in the final race right from the start to give him control of the race,” he said.

“Brad heads to the World titles in May; it’s a big step up and I’m preparing him physically and mentally.”