BMX riders fly to America for championship race

The races start on Thanksgiving weekend in America

Two BMX riders are flying to America to take part in a competition that is known as the greatest race on Earth.

The USA BMX Grand Nationals, which see amateurs and professionals compete in a week of activities, begins on 23 November in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Josh Sparrow, 19, and George Hunt, 21, both coaches and friends from Nuneaton BMX Club, are flying to New York on Wednesday before hiring a car to drive more than 1,300 miles to compete.

Mr Hunt's mother Rose Davies said: "This is the main championship in America. It's open to anybody, so it's open to the world's riders. It's also a professional class as well, where they jump bigger jumps – it's the greatest race on Earth."

Ms Davies said the pair would be there as "ambassadors" for the Warwickshire club, which had produced some very good riders, adding: "It's only a little club really."

She said they had set out to take part in the event "the adventurous way" by driving to Oklahoma.

"This epic road journey, covering over 1,300 miles, is being seen as part of the grand adventure before they compete through the Thanksgiving weekend races," she said.

Ms Davies said the club, which she is part of, was especially proud because her son was racing in the Race of Champions event, held just before the finals.

Race events continue to 1 December and the pair are expected to return on 6 December.