A rising star from Manchester BMX Club is set to represent his country at the World Championships, just two years after taking up the sport.
Twelve-year-old Lewis Holmes, who lives in Wincham, discovered a passion for BMX by chance, after having his 10th birthday party at Manchester’s National Cycling Centre. Now, he is ranked among the top 10 riders in the country for his age group and has even trained with British Olympic hero and three-time world champion Shanaze Reade.

This success has earned him a selection for Team GB’s under-13 squad at the upcoming UCI BMX World Championships, which take place in Brussels between July 21 and 25. But Lewis has only been able to take his place thanks to the support of four Wincham-based firms – PMI Health Group, Websites 24-7, Blue Group and Signet Group – who have covered the cost of travel and equipment.

Lewis said: “From the minute I got on the bike at my 10th birthday party, I knew I wanted to get involved in BMX. It’s hard to get me off my bike and I’m on it every day, either practising or competing.
“I can’t wait to represent Team GB and one day I would love to take part in the Olympic Games. That’s why it’s been great to have help from Shanaze Reade because she’s been there and she’s always offering me advice on how to get better.
“My parents have been great supporting me every step of the way but it’s an expensive sport to compete in, so we’re also really grateful to my sponsors, who have helped make sure I can take my spot at the World Championships.”
Since taking up BMX in 2013, Lewis has enjoyed significant success on the domestic scene. In his first competition, the Winter Indoor Series at the National Cycling Centre, he took gold in the novice category.
But his first full season in competition was disrupted after his dad suffered a serious car accident, meaning he was unable to compete regularly.
This only made the University of Chester Academy Northwich pupil more determined to succeed and an intensive training regime has paid off three months into his second campaign in the Northern Region competition and the British BMX Series.
Currently, Lewis trains seven days a week, combining sprint with long-distance work at various tracks across the North West and on the training rollers at home. On the back of this, a series of strong performances, including a win in the recent Northern event at Hartlepool, have seen Lewis rise to third in the North West rankings.
Matthew Baldwin, CEO of sponsor PMI Health Group, said: “Lewis’ dedication and talent are seriously impressive and have acted as an inspiration for all the staff at PMI Health Group. We look forward to helping him in his rise through the ranks.”

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