The Cromwell BMX Club will have a strong group of 23 riders competing at this year’s BMX New Zealand National Championships in Invercargill later this week.

'‘Nationals’' are the biggest domestic event for the sport in New Zealand, and amongst the Cromwell team there are some very strong riders who will be pushing for places in their respective age group finals. 

The club has seen strong growth in numbers over the last two seasons.

Riders from the wider region of Wanaka and Queenstown, not just Cromwell are signing up, and the youngest start from three years old.

BMX is a family sport and thought to be one of the only sports where children and parents can compete alongside one another. 

Club president Mouse James is excited to having nationals close to home, and optimistic there will be some strong results from those heading to Invercargill.  

"We’re stoked to see so many riders from the club qualify to ride at nationals. We normally have to travel to the North Island, so having the event so close to home is awesome,'' he said.

"I know a number of families have been doing day trips down to Invercargill to get some track time, not something we can normally do when racing is up North. 

''There are over 550 riders competing this year at Nationals. That’s some serious competition coming down, but we’ve seen our kids put in the hard work and pushing themselves, so I’m excited as we head into the week.''

But most importantly, competing at nationals was about "having fun on your bikes, hanging out with your mates and making some memories as families'', Mouse said.

"We’ve made a bit of a tradition of heading to the beach once finals are over. The kids just love it, it is always a highlight of their Nationals weekend. We might just need some thick wetsuits and puffer jackets this time.''

The event itself kicks off with a practice day on Friday.

Saturday is four races - or motos as they are known in the sport - followed by another two on the Sunday morning.

The results of those six motos determine who qualifies for quarters, semis and finals. 

‘I also want to say a big thank you to the community and organisations that support us throughout the year. As always, the community has been behind the club and these kids wouldn’t get such amazing opportunities without the support of this awesome community. 

Catch the action live streamed by BMXNZ on YouTube.

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