Cameron jumps to top of BMX world

GEELONG BMX Club rising star Cameron Gatt has soared to the top of his sport by being crowned the world’s best rider in his age group.

The teenager was part of the Australian team that travelled to Glasgow last month for the BMX Challenge at the UCI Cycling World Championships.

Cameron won the coveted “W1 plate” as the world champion in the Cruiser Boys 15-16 division.

He said his international win was an emotional triumph after several years of near misses from his sport’s top prize.

“I was extremely happy, just screaming my heart out and everything. All the emotion just poured out.

“We got to the presentations and got given our trophies and I got to stand on number one, finally.

I’ve been in a world final eight times, racing in both classes.

“Everyone in that race has made it there and everyone is the best in the world. So either you bring your A-game or there’s no point.

“I just go as quick as you can, and basically pray.”

Cameron’s win was the culmination of 10 years in the saddle since starting his riding journey as a five-year-old at Wyndham’s BMX club.

“As soon as I sat on the bike, I didn’t want to go home. My parents basically had to grab me and drag me off.

“Ever since I’ve just been hooked on it.”

Cameron said his personal aims beyond his latest success was to stay on top of international BMX riding and continue progressing through age ranks.

He’s also proud of the mentoring role he can play to the Geelong club’s aspiring younger riders.

“They need a person that’s been at the top to guide them. As soon as they see someone that’s at the top, they follow them; they want to be like them,” Cameron said.

“It also helps me along too, knowing that people care.”

Geelong Thunder BMX Club has coaching and training events on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 4.30pm throughout the year, weather permitting.

The club’s membership is primarily school-aged children, but its age ranges from three-year-olds up to stalwarts in their 50s.

Cameron’s recent win continues a tradition of successful international riders emerging from the local club, which is also campaigning to continue its legacy through track upgrades including lighting for year-round events.