In a nutshell, 2024 has been an amazing year for 11-year-old Rafe Symons. The transition from the 65cc to the 85cc could not have been any smoother.
Having won the 65cc Championship title with Cotswold Youth & AMX in 2023, the dream was to finish on the podium in the SW85cc class in 2024. Dreams soon became a reality as the Championship progressed and Rafe began to win race after race. His focus, determination and fitness have been the key to his success this year and is due to the partnership with the NORA CRS Team and especially Coach Robb. Rafe proceeded to win the SW85cc Championship which is the main highlight of the year.
At the start of the season, Rafe took part in the NORA Pro Championship at Oakhanger which was extremely tough and stacked with the UK finest riders. Rafe qualified 20th in the deep sand, which was a promising start.
Cotswold Youth & AMX run on average 2 weekends a month, which kept Rafe busy during the year, but he was also able to take part in the NORA British Cup, which this year ran over 3 weekends, attracting many national level riders. Rafe just missed out on the podium and finished 4th overall which was a down to a good consistent ride throughout the rounds and staying on the bike in most of the races.
The British Cup is set to return in 2025, with a 4-round series, which we have excitedly entered and hope to better this year’s results, if possible.
In September, Rafe was proud to have been picked again to represent Cotswold Youth & AMX at the team event, however, unfortunately, the weekend was not on where the results came easily.
One of the many highlights this year was the 3-day bootcamp at Monster Mountain, receiving coaching from Steven Sword and Joe Clayton helped give Rafe more confidence on the bike in all areas. Rafe loved waking up each morning and being able to ride both of the awesome tracks there.
All in all, 2024 have been one of the best years for Rafe, no injuries, consistent clever riding and fitness to push him past his competitors when it matters!
2025 – What’s the plan… Rafe is booked in for the NORA British Cup, NORA MX Master Kids and the Monster Mountain Cup. Once the rounds are announced it is hoped to enter a championship more local to home freeing up some time in an attempt to Wildcard some of the national events, if the race diary will allow. In addition, Rafe hopes to work regularly with a riding coach with monthly training to better hone his MX skills.
A special thank you to Gemma, Andy and Roy at NORA, for believing in Rafe and giving him the awesome opportunity to represent NORA and he is very much looking forward to another year on the team. Thank you also to the team sponsors who offer amazing help and keep the wheels moving.
Rafe would also like to thank Coach Robb who is on constant stand-by with his help, advice and guidance – A man with a true passion and extensive knowledge of this sport has played a massive part of Rafe’s success this year.
