From the moment Paul Addams stepped onto a BMX bike, he was unbeatable. Beginning his career as a 10 year old in 1980, Paul quickly caught the attention of the Factory Sponsors, and Diamond Back came knocking, signing Paul as the very first Australian Factory Team rider. His winning streak was unbelievable. Racking up wins at the 1981 Australian Titles, he was known as the kid to beat. When you lined up on the gate next to Paul Addams - you were racing for second place.
In 1983 Paul took a ride with GT bicycles who sent him to the USA to get battle hardened, a move that even further cemented his abilities. That year he would take a World #2 behind USA’s Rusty Cable at the IBMXF World Championships in Holland. The following year he would turn that #2 into a #1 World Title in japan.
Back home in Australia Paul continued his dominance, even when he moved up to the Pro ranks, he began beating riders many years his senior. In 1988, Paul finally cracked the Number 1 Pro spot in Australia winning the Pro Title at the famous floods of the Alice Springs Nationals. For the next 2 years he was untouchable, winning the Pro Title in 1989 and again in 1990 - becoming the first Australian Pro to win three in a row.
Although a man of few words, Paul was a sponsors dream - not only because he was unbeatable, but because he was the rider everyone wanted to be. He remained a loyal rider for the GT/Peddlepower and Robinson teams managed by Brian Pearse - teams that dominated the Australian BMX scene in the 1980’s and 90’s.
Career Details
Year Started Racing BMX: 1980
Career Highlights:
1981 - #1 Australia, 12 Class
1982 - #1 QLD, 13 Class
1982 - #8 Australia, 13 Class
1983 - #1 QLD, 14 Class
1983-#1 Australia, 14 Class
1983 - #2 World, 14 Class
1984 - #1 QLD, 15 Class
1984 - #1 Australia, 15 Class
1984 - #1 World, 15 Class
1985 - #1 Australia, 16 Class
1986 - #2 Australia, Open Class
1986 - #2 Australia, Pro Class
1987 - #8 Australia, Pro Class
1988 - #1 Australia, Pro Class
1989 - #1 Australia, Pro Class
1989 - #6 World, Pro Class
1990 - #1 Australia, Pro Class
1991 - #2 Australia, Pro Class
Sponsors:
1981-83 - Diamond Back
1983-87 - GT Bicycles
1988-91 - Robinson Bikes
