When it comes to the pioneer racers in the UK, Nicky Matthews is not only one of them but actually lined up on the gate and raced in the very first documented BMX race in the UK — at Brockwell Park. Nicky rode for Richard Barrington’s Team ACE alongside names like Andy Ruffell, Pete Middleton, Cav Stutt, and Trevor Shanks, to name a few. Growing up in East London in the late ’70s, these kids on ACE were riding at Hollow Ponds and became part of the first era of British BMX superstars.
Nicky appeared on the cover of the very first issue of Official BMX alongside Andy Ruffell and was also featured on the covers and back pages of BMX News and BMX Weekly. He went on to ride for Mongoose and Kuwahara, becoming UKBMX National Number 1 in both 1981 and 1982. Nicky was also one of the early British riders to travel to the States. Toward the end of 1983, Nicky decided to take some time away from BMX, but when he returned a few years later, he was picked up by Yes/Suzuki and went straight into Superclass. Despite his time away, he quickly proved any doubt wrong by making Superclass finals not only in the UK but across Europe as well.
Nicky continued racing for several more years, eventually turning Pro in 1986, and again had no trouble making finals against the likes of Shooter, March, Ruffell, Middleton, and others.
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