LEAH HEYGATE SHINES AT THE FIM WMX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN TEUTSCHENTHAL!

For those who don’t know this past weekend, June 1st and 2nd, I headed to Germany to participate in the 4th round of the FIM WMX World Championship in Teutschenthal. Preparations were all last-minute as I wasn’t sure we would be able to arrange everything needed, like bike hire, pits, etc., but it all worked out. I wasn’t able to test ride the bike, but luckily, I was able to bring my front suspension with me and set the rear as best we could.

On Thursday, we went to the welcome office and picked up all the passes. This included the car pass, rider, and mechanic passes. Friday was busy, but overall, it was a good day. I got to set up my bike, put a sticker kit on it, walk the track, and do scrutineering. Overall, it was a great day and a wonderful experience.

The rain had arrived, which meant that the track preparations had to change. We watched the crew clear the track of mud and basically bulldoze all the mud they could off the track.

Saturday was when everything started: free practice, timed practice, and finally a race. I knew the track was going to be muddy as the ladies were first out, and my plan was just to learn the track—and that’s what I did. I came out with a P18 in free practice and a big smile on my face.

By timed practice, the track had dried out, but I let all the nerves get to me, and I rode terribly. Luckily, I was still able to qualify with a P33. Following this, I knew I had so much more in me and that I could do much better. The sun was out, and the track was completely different from the one I rode in the morning. With deep breaths and a lot of heart and belief, I raced heat 1 as well as I could. I got a great start and just kept consistent to work my way to 20th in heat 1, scoring my first-ever world championship point. I was filled with lots of emotion and gratitude that I was able to do this race, and I hoped I could do the same the next day.
Sunday was a later start, very different from what I’m used to. I only had to be at the track at 8 am. The track had been prepped again, but the rain had also fallen throughout the night, meaning the track was going to be completely different from the day before. I decided not to go out on the warm-up laps to keep the mud off my bike as much as possible.

I lined up, and it was cold and wet, but I wanted to give it everything. I got a good start and just put my head down, riding as best I could through all the mud. It was tough, and I felt like I was all over the place, but I pushed on, only to see the pit board on my last lap say P14. I was over the moon. I was so shocked and proud to have competed against the best women in the world and come out with an overall of P16.

This would have never been possible without all the companies, friends, family, and organizations that supported me. To everyone, my deepest thank you for letting me live my dream—I am so, so grateful.

Special thanks to:

• REMA TIP TOP
• JCB
• SPECTRA
• LINER INVESTMENTS and family
• Uncle Graham
• The Lubinkhof family
• Uncle Paul
• The Reeves family
• 12 Designs

To my family: my brother and dad for coming with me, and my mum for everything she does—I wish she could have been with us. Thank you for helping me follow my dreams and supporting me every moment.

To Carmen at MSA for organizing my license and everything so quickly, thank you.

To the Becker Racing team that welcomed me into the pits and made me feel like family, thank you for everything. And of course, my mechanic Lars—thank you for everything you did for me this weekend. It was so great working with you, and I had the best time.

Lastly, thank you to all the people that have sent messages and supported me from all over the world. I appreciate all of you and all the support.