Tracey Long Clapton

Tracey Long Clapton is the founder of T.C. Cycling Skills and Coaching and has been involved in BMX for more than four decades. Her journey began in Cornwall during the early years of BMX in the United Kingdom.

In 1981, Tracey’s parents helped build one of the region’s first BMX tracks at Kellsters Farm in Hugus, home of Truro BMX Club. Although girls were not officially permitted to race at the time, Tracey entered her first race in 1982 and quickly developed a passion for the sport that would shape her life.

Growing up in a family with limited financial means, Tracey’s parents worked tirelessly to support her and her two brothers’ BMX ambitions. Travelling throughout the South West to compete, she earned multiple South West No. 1 titles and established herself as one of the region’s leading riders.

One of the defining moments of her racing career came in 1987. After qualifying as South West No. 1, her family made the long journey from Cornwall to the British Championships in Derby. To make the trip possible, her parents took out a bank loan and hired a small campervan. Against the odds, Tracey raced her way into the final and was crowned British Champion, a moment that remains one of the proudest achievements of her life and a cherished memory for both her family and Truro BMX Club.

After stepping away from racing in 1989 to focus on work, Tracey returned to competition during the mid-1990s, once again achieving South West No. 1 status. Following marriage and the arrival of her child, she made another successful return to racing in 2001.

Her competitive career continued to flourish, with a runner-up finish at the 2002 British Championships and a National No. 5 ranking in 2003. In 2004, she was invited to ride for T+J Racing and GT, competing in both the National and Regional series. That season culminated in Tracey becoming National No. 1 and representing Great Britain at the World Championships in Holland.

Unfortunately, serious knee injuries brought her racing career to an abrupt halt. Over the following years, she underwent multiple operations in an attempt to remain active. By 2009, her condition had deteriorated significantly, leaving her unable to ride and struggling with everyday mobility. It was one of the most challenging periods of her life, both physically and mentally.

A breakthrough surgical procedure in 2014 transformed her quality of life, followed by a similar operation on her second knee in 2017. By late 2018, Tracey was back on a BMX bike and determined to return to the sport she loved.

From 2021 through 2024, she once again achieved South West No. 1 and Regional No. 1 rankings, proving that perseverance and determination can overcome even the most difficult setbacks.

Today, through T.C. Cycling Skills and Coaching, Tracey shares her experience and passion with riders of all ages and abilities. As a BMX-specific coach and qualified Coaching in Context BMX Coach, she is dedicated to helping cyclists build confidence, develop skills, and achieve their personal goals in a positive and supportive environment.

BMX has given Tracey a lifetime of memories, friendships, challenges, and achievements. Inspired by the sacrifices and support of her parents, and the memory of her late father, she remains committed to giving back to the sport that has been such an important part of her life.