By Julian Allen
When and where did you start racing?
I started at Eastway Cycle Circuit in Stratford, which is now the Olympic Park. That would have been around 1980 or 1981. By 1982, I was doing regional races.
Who was at Eastway when you started, and how did you get involved?
Eastway was the East London track. Nicky Matthews, the national champion at the time, was racing there, and I looked up to him. I registered with UKBMX as number 1186, raced locally, then gradually moved to national events. My first national plate was number three in 1982, and I became national number one in 1983 and 1984.
Who else was around Eastway in those days?
I rode with Kev Riviere and his brother Mike, and another guy named Paul. My first sponsor was E.G. Bates, a cycling shop in East Ham. They gave me a top to represent them at races.
After E.G. Bates, which teams did you ride for?
Raleigh noticed me when I was 14, so I went straight from E.G. Bates to Raleigh. It was amazing. Bikes, kit, race fees, travel, and hotels were all provided. Our team manager, Val Schofield, was brilliant. She was very calming and supportive, which helped me a lot as I had a speech impediment back then.
And after Raleigh?
I moved on to ASR, Alan Sopp Racing. Raleigh had run its course with me, and ASR offered the next step. One of my proudest achievements was placing at the 1984 Worlds in Osaka, Japan. I competed in two classes, open and age, and came fifth in the open, seventh in my age group.
Any memorable races or moments?
Tons. Exhibitions in Israel, photo shoots in Tenerife and London, and even a poster in Woolworths. One race I remember clearly was in the Isle of Man, where I was presented a trophy by Bob Haro. BMX back then felt like a real adventure.
Who were your standout riders at the time?
Andy Ruffell was “The Don,” and Tim March always impressed me. In my age group, there was Scott Williams, Harvey Monkton, Gary Fenwick, Charlie Reynolds, and the Llewellyn brothers, Wayne and Gary. They were younger but impressive. They were all hungry and competitive.
How do you compare BMX then to modern BMX?
It is a completely different world. Tracks today are all about speed and flow. Back then, it was about raw power, jumping big tabletops, and pumping around dirt berms. Teams like Raleigh supported teenage riders like pros, which was unheard of at the time.
What was your racing style?
I was more of a power rider. Starts and cornering mattered most. If you got a good gate, you had a shot, unless you messed up a jump. Races were short but intense.
Any final reflections?
No regrets at all. BMX gave me incredible experiences, from national titles to photo shoots and international travel. I feel lucky to have been part of the early UKBMX era and to see the sport grow into what it is today.
Quick Stats – Martin Jose
First BMX Race: Eastway Cycle Circuit, Stratford (1980)
UK BMX Registration Number: 1186
First National Plate: 3 (1982)
National Number One Titles: 1983, 1984
Superclass Ranking: 2 (1985)
First Sponsor: E.G. Bates Cycling Shop, East Ham
Major Teams: Raleigh, ASR
1983 World Championships – Osaka: 5th (Open), 7th (Age Class)
Notable Riders Competed Against: Nicky Matthews, Scott Williams, Harvey Monkton, Gary Fenwick, Charlie Reynolds
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