BMX rider comes third

Press, 22 August 1987, Page 88

BMX rider comes third

Canterbury’s Peter Mclntyre proved his worth against the best of his age group in the world when he was placed third in the 16 expert class, at the World BMX championships held in Orlanda, Florida, recently. Mclntyre, aged 16, was understandably nervous at the experienced competition he encountered. "To start with I was sceptical that I would not do well. The gate starts are important. We use different starts in New Zealand and listen to the starters beep, but in the championships we had one beep and then had to look at lights, which I found difficult at first, but Martin Jenner, (aji open rider), gave me tips, and

after a couple of races it fell • into place,” he said.

Although Mclntyre was pleased with his result he has his sights set on first place next time.

“I am happy with third, but ultimately first was what I wanted.”

Mclntyre also got seventh in the 16 to 17 cruiser class. He put his lower placing in this class down to early nervousness.

“I had a bad start in the final and froze at the gate. It was such a big thing to make the final.”

Mclntyre’s trip was made possible by Woolston Cycles who supplied a new American race bike and payed for his trip. American competitors were factory sponsored

and had free access to new equipment. The Americans appear to accept BMX competition as a professional sport more readily than New Zealanders. “The Americans are extremely professional. They have a lot more sponsorship and it is recognised as a professional sport rather than a 1 fl-year-old game,” Mclntyre said.

Mclntyre was pipped for second place by an Australian he had previously beaten and was disappointed not to overtake his opposition. “I had beaten him before, and I was a little disappointed that I could not peg him back.” he said. ■