Driver relishing BMX return
Toowoomba pair return from titles
BMX: Toowoomba’s Luke Driver probably thought his elite riding days were over after an absence of more than 20 years from national competition.
But a successful return at last week’s BMX Australia National Championships in Western Australia has reignited his passion for the sport as he considers chasing bigger goals down the track.
Driver represented Queensland at the 2018 Bunbury titles in the 35-39 years category alongside fellow Toowoomba BMX Club member Bart Steffen who took on Australia’s top juniors.
But despite suffering a severe training setback earlier this year when a track “stack” left him nursing broken ribs and a troublesome elbow, Driver’s class shone through.
“I walked away with pretty pleasing results,” Driver said on his return home this week.
“I finished second in the cruiser and fourth in the 20 inch.
“I really enjoyed being back in it after so long away.
“Now I’m a bit older I was able to handle the occasion without too many nerves, although there were still some
there.
“It’s been a big change in lifestyle for me getting back on the bike.
“But I want to keep it going. “It’s a long way off but next year’s world titles is something
I’d like to think about.
“I’ve got a lot more work to do with my coach Nathan Graves but with his help I’m confident I can keep improving a lot.”
Steffen’s championship tilt
finished on a frustrating note when he crashed in the 13years Challenge Final after he rode strongly to qualify for the medal race.
After winning his quarter-final and placing second in the
semi-final ride-off, Steffen was holding fourth place in the final when his championship bid ended.
“I was really happy with how I rode leading into the final,” Steffen said.
“I really wanted it badly and just got out there and did it.
“One thing I learned is anything is possible if you have a good attitude.
“I’ll be really hungry for it next year.”