There were thrills, spills and hot BMX skills on show at the BMX New Zealand South Island Titles (Souths) in Alexandra at the weekend.

Local clubs Alexandra BMX and Cromwell BMX performed solidly on home soil, with eleven riders gaining top three placings in their grades.

Alexandra riders Holly Oldham (17 -24 women on 20 inch bikes) and Ryan Entwisle (eight year old boys) both claimed gold in their categories.

In the 10 year old girls and boys grades, Ali Campbell earned silver and Hendrix Kahukura, bronze while Nathan Adair placed third in the 35-39 year old men’s final on 20 inch bikes.

The Alexandra BMX club crew who raced in BMX New Zealand South Island Titles held in Alexandra over the weekend. PHOTO: Jessica Magill

Cromwell rider Isla Reid was a standout, winning every one of her races during the weekend to take top spot in the eight - nine year old girls. 

Two riders from Cromwell placed in the 12 year old boys final with Maxwell Morris coming second and Carter Symons third. 

Archie Walker placed third in the eight year old boys and another third went to Quinn Lindsay in the 13 year old girls. 

Daniel McElhinney earned a silver in the 40 - 44 year old men’s final on 20 inch bikes.

Southland BMX rider Nick Cowie, who represented New Zealand as a junior in the 2024 UCI BMX Racing World Championships in USA last May, applauded the local organisers and spectators and said Souths was “awesome”. 

In a nail biting under 23 men's final which involved two crashes Nick placed second behind Christchurch’s Keenan Brown.

“The local welcome was incredible. Everyone says hi and asks questions which is really nice and gives a good welcoming feel, the track conditions were perfect for finals day. 

‘’The sun was hot… track was hard and fast which meant times were quick as well.

“The vibe from spectators was pretty spectacular. It was awesome to hear people cheering so loud and it makes it that much better when there is a spectator base cheering.”

Nick ran coaching clinics in Central prior to Souths and also signed autographs with up and coming riders over the weekend. 

Nick greeting other riders and signing autographs at Souths. PHOTO: Nick Cowie Facebook 

“The skills that a lot of these riders have now is amazing… there are so many young riders that are way better than i was at their age which is awesome to see for the sport.”

He said coaching gives him satisfaction, knowing he is helping out Central and Southland riders, as he grew up in Invercargill and he understood that there was a lack of coaching in the South.

“Knowing that I’m using the knowledge I have to help the younger generation is so special.” 

One of the youngest and newest Alexandra BMX club members took a heavy tumble on practice race day, “Pre Souths” breaking his ribs.

Mack Naylor (6) was gutted not to be able to race in Souths, but headed along to support his club and collect his race plate all the same.

Mack Naylor. PHOTO: Supplied 

The organising committee thanked the huge number of local volunteers who leapt in to help with logistics for the event from car parking and canteen, to set up and pack down, marshalling and more. 

Organisers also thanked local business sponsors for their backing as age group sponsors, signage sponsors, track work and material and products and vouchers.

Next up Central Otago riders are focused on the 2025 Oceania BMX Championships, in New Plymouth in early February.

Read more: BMX South Island Titles in Alexandra this weekend

Find out about Central’s BMX clubs on their listings: Cromwell and Alexandra

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