Osoyoos’ Brody McLean is among Canada’s top BMX racers.
McLean, eight, returned home from Chilliwack on Thanksgiving weekend and capped his season with four medals in the Canadian Grand Nationals Oct. 7 to 9.
A member of the Penticton BMX Club and the Speedline Canada Team, McLean was first in the 8 Cruiser on Oct. 7 and 9. He also took second in 8 Cruiser on the second day and was third in the 8 Expert the first day.
“I felt I performed pretty well,” said McLean. “I could have done better Saturday and Sunday.”
On Saturday Brody crashed and bumped his head, it wasn’t serious but he experienced some soreness the next day. Even with the crash, McLean held his Canadian National Age Group (CNAG) No. 2 spot on his 20-inch bike. He is No. 1 and 3 in Cruiser as he rides two bikes — 20-inch and 24-inch. CNAT is for all riders aged from six to 70 years and older.
Competing in his third Grand Nationals, McLean knows the other riders.
“I got pushed to my limit,” said McLean, who also placed sixth in 8 Expert Saturday and fifth on Sunday. “I tried my hardest.”
McLean loves the competitions, which provide him with more than just a racing experience.
“I make a lot of friends during the event,” said McLean.
McLean’s dad Len said this season was his best in the two-and-a-half he has competed.
“He is now taking on the best riders in his age group from all over Canada and the U.S. competing in the Expert class (20-inch bike) and the Cruiser class (24-inch bike),” said Len. “BMX racing is Brody’s first love when it comes to sports and it shows when he is on the track. He is always trying new things and when he lands a new jump or pulls off a nice, smooth manual, he has a giant smile on his face.”
Brody, who joined the Speedline team after approaching them and expressing interest at a competition, came into Grands as the CNAG No.2 on his 20-inch and No. 2 and No. 6 on his Cruiser.
At provincials in Pemberton, Brody was first in cruiser and No. 4 in the 20-inch.
His long-term goal is to be No. 1 in nationals on his Cruiser and CNAG on his 20-inch bike in 2017. He has qualified to compete at the World Championships that are being held in Rock Hill, South Carolina this coming season. That will pitt Brody against the fastest kids from all over the world and will be the biggest race that he has ever been in. Brody also competed in a Crankworx downhill race and placed 20th among 67 riders. He competes downhill about five times a year.