Dunstan High School student Talia Nelson put the Alexandra BMX Club on the global stage at the Cycling World Championships (CWC) in Scotland this month.

Talia finished sixth in the girls aged 13-16 cruiser class and tenth overall (semi final) in the 20 inch girls aged 16.

Tahlia said it was her first experience on the world stage and she was excited to be part of it.

“My proudest moment was making the final on the first day in cruiser class representing my country and wearing the NZ jersey for prize giving.”

She has been into BMX since she was eight-years-old.

“Both my older brothers did it and it looked like fun. I stuck with [it] because I liked the life long friendships I had made.”

She thanked her parents for their support, her grandparents who funded the trip to Scotland, her club and the BMX community of local families. 

Almost 8,000 elite and amateur athletes from 130 countries participated in CWC, an estimated 1 million spectators turned out, and millions more tuned in around the world to see the 11 days of cycling action taking place across Scotland.

Tahlia in her New Zealand uniform at her home track. 

Team Nelson prior to heading to Scotland.

Tahlia helped out younger riders at a training session in June. 

As well as taking part in BMX, Tahlia is a talented rower, winning a gold in the girls under 16 single sculls at South Island Secondary Schools Championships in 2022 and silver at the Maadi cup in Cambridge in March 2023.

Alexandra BMX Club (ALX BMX) spokesperson Lucy Kahukura said the club and community were very proud of her. 

ALX BMX club has a ‘come and try’ session tonight, including a barbecue to keep people fueled (Thursday August 31, from 5.30pm).

Lucy said the club welcomes all ages from as young as two to the session. 

To try it you’ll need a bike (any will do to begin with), a full face helmet, long pants and shirt, closed in shoes and gloves for rider safety. ALX BMX has a limited number of helmets available to borrow. 

BMX is a family sport with the physical benefits of learning bike skills, balance and fitness, along with having fun.

The club is one of thirty BMX clubs in New Zealand affiliated with BMX-NZ. Although the club is one of the newest and smallest, it has among the best facilities of any South Island BMX club.

The BMX track is at 3A Poole Rd, next to IceInline. For information email [email protected]

PHOTOS: ALX BMX