THEY say life begins at 40 – and for Scott Beaumont age is simply an inspiration rather than a barrier to competing on the world stage.
Beaumont was already riding bikes at the age of just two-and-a-half years old, yet the thrill and passion in riding to a seventh place finish at this month’s World Four-Cross Championships in Italy as a 40-year-old was just as visible.
Beaumont, who trains at his home track in Redditch, is no stranger to success, but he stressed he is not finished yet.
having raced nationally aged five, winning his first European Championships at the age of seven, he’s enjoyed an illustrious career thus far that has seen him win no fewer than eight national titles in the Four-Cross event – that’s in addition to two BMX world titles, a discipline in which he has ten British titles.
His ultimate goal is to become the first male rider to become world champion in both BMX and Four-Cross disciplines, and next year he plans to chase world gold in both events.
Beaumont is keen to point out that he’s not done yet, as he recalled his World Four-Cross Championship experience in Val di Sole Trentino. Age has not diminished his hunger, that’s for sure.
Four-cross is a relatively new style of mountain bike racing, where four bikers race downhill at the same time.
“The race went well, but it’s hard to be pleased with seventh,” said Beaumont. “The nature of Four Cross is you can win one week then finish seventh the next. On the night I gave 100 per cent and made some aggressive moves at the right times but it wasn’t to be my night.”
“In the semi-final, I was in second (top two progress to the final) and unfortunately the rider in third made an aggressive move that damaged my gears. I was unable to pedal for the remainder of the track and missed out on a guaranteed top-four finish.
“Seventh was OK, but it was nearly so much more. I finished ahead of last year’s world champion and two weeks previously I actually beat the winner – it’s just the way it goes!”
Beaumont was back on the BMX last weekend to compete in the National Series in Telford but next he will head to Falmouth later this month for the National Four-Cross Championships where he hopes to be able to scoop his ninth crown in the event.
“I’m excited to defend my title and my preparations are going perfectly. My aim is to win as many races as possible and race through until at least 45!”
Having been in the sport for so long, some might think it’s a struggle to maintain longevity. For Beaumont, though, it’s simple.
“I love the sport and to me there’s no sport out there like it – it’s the most action-packed cycling sport in the world. My drive to win is stronger than ever!”
Scott Beaumont is an ambassador for leading sports nutrition brand USN who have just launched their new Blue Lab Whey protein. To find out more visit www.usn.co.uk.”
