Manda Hempstock has been racing BMX on and off for around 37 years, starting in the late 80s and now on her third comeback. She was once a British Champion in the 90s before spending 17 years living in Amsterdam. At the 2019 World Championships in Zolder, her first Worlds in over 30 years, she finished #1 in the 50+ Female Cruiser age group. Because an official 50+ category didn’t exist, she raced in 40+ and placed 13th, later going on to make multiple semi-finals.

After four years of pushing UCI to recognise the growing female field, 2026 will be the first year an official 50+ Female Cruiser category exists, a category she personally campaigned for!

Manda turns 56 this Christmas and is a BMX coach for Preston Pirates, where she’s passionate about coaching grassroots riders, especially women and girls. She also teaches both kids and adults how to ride bikes as part of her wider work as a sports coach. Her favourite track is Knightswood in Glasgow, and her least favourite track remains undisclosed ;-)