If you raced BMX in the UK during the 1980s, you might remember the Mirage number plate. It was one of the many ideas cooked up by Alan Woods of Alan’s BMX and became one of the most popular plates you would see in the UK, regularly appearing in the magazines and on the front of not only Alan’s Torker and Robinson team riders, but many of the top riders across the country who chose to rep the brand.
Well, Mirage is back!
Thanks to John Bentley, the iconic name is returning, and he gave us a quick scoop last week on what he has going on and what he has planned.
After suffering a major injury while battling for the National title in 2025, breaking his right arm and requiring multiple surgeries, John was forced to spend a year off the bike. With concerns that it could potentially mean the end of his racing days, he started thinking about how he could remain involved in a sport he has always loved.
John has always been a natural problem solver, whether working in situations where lives were at stake during his 12 years with the Ambulance Service or finding solutions within the building trade. Starting a BMX brand had always been something he had thought about, and his time away from racing gave him the opportunity to turn that idea into reality.
After speaking with Alan Woods about using the Mirage name he created in the 1980s, Alan agreed to let John bring the brand back for modern products. Alan may still continue to produce some old-school products under the Mirage name, but he is happy for John to take the brand forward in a new direction.
Check out the mini podcast as John gives us a quick story behind bringing Mirage back and what he’s got planned.
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