Central riders gave their all on the track at the weekend.

Alexandra and Cromwell BMX clubs sent a contingent of 42 riders to the 2025 BMX New Zealand National Championships in Invercargill.

Both clubs were well represented across age categories from sprockets (ages four, five and six) through to the senior grades. 

Hosted by Southland BMX Club, the event saw more than 550 riders participate,with the top riders qualifying for the BMX World Championships in Brisbane in 2026.   

Alexandra BMX Club members at 2025 BMX New Zealand National Championships in Invercargill. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Alexandra BMX Club parent Monique Entwisle said it was a great weekend full of the highs and lows of racing.

“The Alex team did themselves proud and it was a good opportunity for many of them to attend their first nationals close to home.”

Alexandra riders with top eight results were; first to Ryan Entwisle (8 boys), second to Holly Oldham (17-24 female), third to Hendrix Kahukura (10 boys), fourth to Nathan Adair (30-39 male), fifth to Ali Campbell (10 girls) and Oliver Lines (30-39 male), seventh to Mahli Naylor (8 girls), and eighth to James Grubb (45-49 male). 

Alexandra BMX Club rider Ryan Entwisle won the eight boys, scoring the NZ1 plate. PHOTO: Supplied 

Cromwell BMX club had several top placed finishers including; first to Isla Reid (9 girls), third Quinn Lindsay (13 girls), fourth to Addison Stephens (9 girls), fifth to Archie Walker (8 boys), Danny McElhinney (40-44 male), Matt Waters (cruiser 45-49 male), sixth to Bobbi Stephens (9 girls), eighth to Liam King (cruiser 13-14 male) and Cooper Rushbrook (9 boys).

Isla Reid topped the podium in the nine year old girls category and was unbeaten all weekend. PHOTO: Cromwell BMX Facebook

Cromwell club spokesperson Dylan Rushbrook said one of the great things about the sport is racing and making friends with riders from across New Zealand, sharing experiences and passion for BMX.

“But the sport is also tough, only eight riders can make the final and so for many others there may be disappointment in not making that goal. It is a sport where a few hundredths of a second can make or break a rider’s event, and that only ramps up more at a major event…

“It absolutely teaches kids resilience and how to respond in pressure situations, or to disappointment. Ultimately those are great lessons for them to take into life way beyond BMX.”

Cromwell's plate winners were (back row, from left) Matt Waters, Liam King, Quinn Lindsay, Danny McElhinney and front row Cooper Rushbrook, Archie Walker, Isla Reid, Addison Stephens and Bobbi Stephens. PHOTO: Supplied

Cromwell’s Liam King (13) was recognised as the South Island Coach of the Year in the 2024 BMX NZ Awards recently. 

Liam coaches the club’s youngest riders (aged seven and under), teaching the fundamentals of BMX skills, and instilling a sense of fun and good sportsmanship.

Recording of the action can be viewed on BMX NZ’s YouTube channel.

View Saturday’s racing here and Sunday’s action here 

Read more: Cromwell riders have nationals in their sights

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