The 2024 National 4X Series came to a dramatic close this past weekend at the renowned Twisted Oaks Bike Park in Ipswich, with Katherine Byng and Connor Hudson crowned the series champions.
With its fast-paced, flowing track featuring rhythm sections, multi-line choices, and technical challenges, the park provided the perfect setting for riders of all levels to battle it out for the 2024 series titles.
Round 9 – Saturday Highlights
In the senior women’s category, the appearance of four-time BMX world champion Freia Challis shook things up. Challis dominated the competition, winning all three of her motos and securing victory in the final. Challis just edged out series leader Katherine Byng at the holeshot and extended her lead through the technical top corners. The real battle unfolded between Byng and Annalise Cadman-Carpenter for second place, with Byng ultimately holding on to finish behind Challis, while Cadman-Carpenter took third, and Alice Taylor rounded out the top four.
In the elite open, the series title battle between Ian Forsyth and Connor Hudson remained intense. Hudson’s lightning-fast start was countered by Forsyth’s masterful turn-one swoop, which allowed him to take the lead. In a tightly contested final, Forsyth crossed the line ahead of Hudson, with Tom Bell finishing third and Ben Jones in fourth.
Elsewhere, Luca Rose claimed victory in the junior category, Paul Hanks took another win in the veterans, and Reece Hoggatt triumphed in the senior race. However, the biggest cheers were for the youngest riders, with 41 competitors in the rippers categories. Charlie Dowsing and Betty Wills topped the 7-9 age group, while Harry Donald and Esme Ward took home wins in the 10-12s.
Round 10 – The Finals
Sunday’s action culminated in the crowning of the 2024 National 4X Series champions. In the senior women’s final, Freia Challis once again dominated the day, going unbeaten and showcasing her incredible BMX pedigree. Despite Challis’ victory, Katherine Byng’s consistent performance throughout the season secured her the 2024 series title, with Katherine Oldfield taking third and Alice Taylor in fourth.
In the elite open, British BMX rider George Hunt made an appearance but was outmatched in the semi-finals by the more experienced 4X riders. Ben Jones delivered a standout moment in the small final, overtaking Tom Bell in the final corners to take the win. In the final of the year, Connor Hudson led from the gate and held off Gabe Simpson and Ian Forsyth to clinch both the race victory and the 2024 elite open series title. Hudson’s win secured his championship, followed by Forsyth in second overall, Jack Hudson in third, Ben Jones fourth, and Tom Bell fifth.
The rippers once again delivered for the crowd, with Seth Kucharik and Betty Wills winning the 7-9 category, and Harry Donald and Esme Ward victorious in the 10-12s. In the youth category, Jake Hart finished his season on a high with a final round win, while Jack Davey emerged victorious in the juvenile race. Kingsley Mears returned to dominate the masters, taking wins on both days, as did Matt Meyneord.
The 2024 National 4X Series finals provided an exciting close to the season, with thrilling races across all categories and new champions crowned at Twisted Oaks.
