RideOn Ebikes is really excited and proud to announce that we are sponsoring upcoming Junior Elite BMX star Sienna Harvey. 16 year old Sienna is a Penzance girl who is rising in the ranks on the BMX championship circuit and is competing in the UCI Cycling World Championships in Scotland this weekend.
BMXing (Bicycle Motocross) is a thrilling sport that combines speed, skill, and creativity as riders navigate through challenging tracks and perform gravity-defying tricks on their bikes.
Our young BMX enthusiast is gearing up to compete in the championships in Glasgow this weekend, showcasing her dedication, skill and passion for the sport; and we caught up with her recently, to dive into some questions about her journey into the world of BMXing!
Where did your interest in BMXing start?
I grew up with BMXing as my dad and older sister were both into it which is no surprise really as my dad’s uncle had a BMX centre in Mousehole. I first started out on a balance bike when I was only three and as far back as I can remember I’ve been on two wheels. I’m super competitive which was especially true of myself and my sister – but in a nice sibling rivalry kind of way! But whilst my sister drifted away from the sport as she got older, I grew more and more passionate about it.
What was your pathway from starting out to pro?
When I was little I just used to ride for fun. I loved the freedom that riding my BMX gave me and I was and still am, at my happiest when on I’m on my bike.
At the age of 12 I was scouted for the British Cycling’s Regional School of Racing programme. This is when a select group of riders from a region, in my case, the South-West are nominated to ride for talent development coaches. I was so chuffed when my nomination was successful, which meant I was coached and educated as part of a select group of riders from multiple regions.
Following on from the RSR, I was then selected in a similar process, to become part of the National School of Racing-Foundation. At this stage, the programme is looking to identify, develop and establish a group of riders each year onto the Great Britain Cycling Team Academy programmes and support riders as they pursue a career as a full-time bike rider!
From here, I applied to GBCT Junior Academy which is where I’m at now and within this, I’m part of the Olympic group of riders which are working towards entering the Olympic games! My sights are firmly on the 2028 games in LA.
Where and when do you train locally?
I train pretty much everyday and this involves formal training of 2-3 days of sprint training on a track – the nearest BMX track to me is at Blackwater which is about 20 miles away, but it’s not a competition standard track so there aren’t any drops to launch from.
In BMXing you can start a race from a 5m or 8m drop. The closest competition standard racetrack to Cornwall is Birmingham, so whilst there are so many advantages of growing up down here, like the laid-back lifestyle, beautiful beaches and open spaces, if you’re a young person trying to become professional in any sport that isn’t surfing, the facilities just aren’t here so there are extra layers of commitment needed to succeed – time, travel and finances!
Alongside the sprint training, I also go to the gym regularly and ride my bike around Penzance whenever I can.
Do you go to college or are you just focussed on BMXing?
I do go to college and I’m currently studying for a diploma at college. But honestly, I just love riding my bike! I took a long break between 2017-2021 and dad said he noticed a difference in my personality. I become unmotivated, spent less time outside and during the pandemic, I felt a bit down, but as soon as I got back in the saddle, my life changed for the better. I got my spark back! I persuaded dad to take me to the national races and I did really well and that opened the doors to me competing all over Europe. So far, I’ve travelled to France, Latvia, Italy, Belguim, Holland, Czech Republic and Scotland. I absolutely love racing and competing! There’s nothing that matches the mix of excitement, adrenalin, and nerves!
How does your family support you?
I couldn’t do what I do without the support of my family. I’m well aware of the time and financial commitment involved and am forever grateful to my parents for their support in helping me to pursue my passion and realise my potential. I also have two older sisters and a younger brother who come along and support me at events whenever possible. I also love that my brother Zac has just started getting back into BMXing too, so you never know – he might be on the competition circuit himself in a few years!
How is the atmosphere between competitors?
It’s a great community and off track, everyone gets along and we hang out when we’re at events. But there are no friends when the gate drops at the start of a race. We’re all in it to win.
Who is your main competitor?
The World champion from last year who’s from the USA is very fast. She’s who I’ve always got my sights on beating and there’s a British rider who I’m closely matched with when it comes to racing, so I’d say she’s more direct competition.
Are there any prizes up for grabs at this weekend’s event?
Yeah, there’s some prize money for the top 8 as well as the very prestigious rainbow jersey which is the equivalent to the yellow jersey from the Tour de France. Whoever wears the rainbow jersey is a world champion in their specific cycling discipline. It’s a tough challenge to gain that accolade, but I believe I can do it. I’m leading the series at the minute, so I have every chance!
What has been your favourite race so far?
I love racing in France and I’ve competed in some of the winter international races there and won two events.
I’ve been lucky enough to race all over Europe. After this weekend, my next race will be in Portugal and then hopefully next year, the USA!
Why did you approach RIDEON for sponsorship?
There’s obviously the biking connection but my dad is a friend of Simon’s (RideOn’s founder) and I am a friend of his son Leven, as we are the same age and go to college together. I’d also heard about the mad, cool-looking Super73 e-bikes which RideOn hires and sells, which I’m looking forward to riding when I’m back from the championships.
I think e-bikes are a great way of making cycling accessible to everyone and I love RideOn’s vision of making cycling as inclusive as possible, and you definitely offer a great range of e-bikes which supports that! I am chuffed to be working in partnership with you guys and helping to spread the RideOn on word!
Please cheer Sienna on at the UCI Cycling World Championships this weekend. The heats are on Saturday afternoon (12th Aug) with the quarters, semis and final on Sunday. You can watch the finals on BBC iPlayer /BBC Sports website and app between 11:15-15:30 on Sunday.