A former world champion known as the Godmother of BMX is back on her bike aged 52 – some 34 years after quitting aged 18.
Sarah-Jane Nichols turned back to the sport after hitting the menopause, and plans to start racing again next year.
She admitted: “The tumbles hurt a bit more. But it’s been exciting getting back to it and a big learning curve.”
The mum-of-one, seen as the pioneer for UK women’s BMX racing, hopes to inspire a new generation of girls.
Sarah-Jane started out aged 11 and was British champion seven times, European champ four times and even scooped the world title in 1986 before quitting in 1988.
She then took up ice hockey, going on to represent Great Britain in international competitions.
But during the pandemic the school housekeeper from Bramley, Hants, began to feel low in energy and “wanted to cry all the time”.
Her doctor prescribed HRT and she took up cycling again. She said: “It’s given me a new lease of life.”
Now she trains three times a week and has bought a modern BMX to replace her beloved 1980s Redline.
Sarah-Jane said: “It’s almost like learning a new sport. I’m really looking forward to racing again.”
