The Dirt January 2014 by BMX Australia

PHOTO COMPETITION WINNER ANNOUNCED

NATIONAL SERIES WRAP UP CLUB FEATURES HOLESHOT HEROICS + MORE

FLIGHT 9

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January 2014

Happy New Year!! 2014 promises to be yet another big year in BMX and we can’t wait to bring you all the news in the sport. We’ve got another bumper edition this month. We wrap up the opening rounds of the National Series, we speak to Debbie Lockwood from Nerang BMX Club, we find out about the new start hill at Cairns and we announce the winner of the photo competition + lots more.

THE DIRT

You can be a part of too!! If you have news, event reports, photos or anything else BMX related, send them to the Editor at news@bmxaustralia.com.au

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In this Issue Feature Story: National Series Opener Holeshot BMX Australia Development Academy LKI Giveaway Winner Announced Cairns New Start Hill 2014 Rules National Sign on Day HP Corner

Nerang Scorches National Series 6

Photo: Andrew Farrell©

Photo courtesy of PixelPixie.com.au

The opening rounds were run under sunny skies in Nerang, so sunny in fact that the mercury was nudging well above 30 degrees Celsius by 9am on both days of racing. And while the heat eventually subsided in time for racing, the track was a hotbed of action in every class of racing.

The opening round of the National Series at Nerang has started to become a tradition and with record entries this year, it is fast becoming one of the must do races of the season. There’s mixed expectations coming into this event, on one hand no one knows just what form everyone will be returning in but on the other the expectation of starting the season in a positive way sees riders pushing their hardest. The National Series in 2014 is just 5 rounds in length, which means in these fiercely contested races no one can slack off even for the slightest of split seconds. The one thing that everyone was talking about was the weather – and while no likes the rain, the hot humid conditions had some questioning their ability to keep going. Friday’s practice got underway in the sweltering conditions before a breeze cooled things marginally in time for motos. The shade was the place to be which didn’t offer much consolation to those racing. Racing was of the highest standard we have seen for a while – the commitment and intensity just continues to rise every year which puts on a great spectacle for the large crowd. Eyes were firmly trackside for the Probikx finals across the 2 days where in the men’s race World #6 Josh Callan, World #8 Barry Nobles, National Champion Corey Frieswyk, Luke Madill, Matthew Juster and 7 Anthony Dean fought for the wins.

Photo courtesy of PixelPixie.com.au

Anthony Dean took the hole shot and the win in Round 1, though he couldn’t make it a double on Saturday as Matthew Juster took both in Round 2. In the Elite Women’s class racing was structured differently over the 2 days due to entry numbers. Friday’s racing saw points from the 3 motos determine the overall winner in Round 1, while in Round 2 they qualified into a final from the motos with it all on the line in the final. Kirsten Dellar came through for the win in Round 1 on 6 points edging out World Champion Caroline Buchanan on 7 points. During the event the Elite Women were given the opportunity to ride the “pro” straight which Buchanan took on the challenge, later saying it wasn’t the fastest line to take but one which she was able to challenge herself with. Round 2 saw the inclusion of Melinda McLeod but no one could stop Caroline as she powered through for the win. Buchanan won all but one moto during Round 2 as she looks to focus on 2014 after a stellar 2013.

17+ Women

Round 1 Winners Amy Wolstenholme (Pine Rivers BMX Club)

Round 2 Winners Amy Wolstenholme (Pine Rivers BMX Club)

Overall Series Leader Amy Wolstenholme

17-24 Men

Michael Young (Nerang BMX Club)

Michael Young

30+ Masters

Corey Stafford (Nerang BMX Club)

Luke Pretlove (Warrnambool BMX Club)

Luke Pretlove

14 Girls

Jordan Donaldson (NZL)

Jordan Donaldson

14 Boys

Jaden Rice (Southeastern BMX Club) Saya Sakakibara (Southlake Illawara BMX Club) Joshua Boyton (Centennary Plains)

Jaden Rice (Southeastern BMX Club)

Jaden Rice

Sara Jones (Caboolture BMX Club)

Saya Sakakibara

Joshua Boyton (Centennary Plains)

Joshua Boyton

16 Girls

Zoe Fleming (NZL)

Zoe Fleming

16 Boys

Andrew Hughes (LMX BMX Club)

Jye Homsch (Redlands BMX Club)

Jye Hombsch

Jnr Women Jnr Men

Hannah Sarten (NZL) Max Cairns (Park Orchards BMX Club)

Hannah Sarten (NZL) Kai Sakakibara (Southlake Illawarra BMX Club)

Hannah Sarten

Elite Women

Kirsten Dellar (Westside BMX Club)

Caroline Buchanan (Tuggeranong BMX Club)

Caroline Buchanan

Elite Men

Anthony Dean (Cross Keys BMX Club)

Matt Juster (Jingili 9 BMX Club)

Matt Juster

15 Girls

15 Boys

Max Cairns

What they said: Kirsten Dellar

“It was a tight race, the points were pretty close, originally I was fighting for that 2nd, 3rd position and coming out of the gate in lane 5 which was slightly an outside lane I really didn’t think I’d get across but I had a bit of a killer gate.” “Caroline had a bit of a bobble and I took the opportunity and from that led out of the first corner and led all the way home and resulted in the round 1 National win.” “I got out there and tried to stay out of trouble and took the win which I’m over the moon about.”

Anthony Dean

“The competition was crazy today. Every year when Nerang comes around everyone is fast, you’ve really got to be on your game and today was a tough one.” “I think in the final I was hungry to win, I really wanted to win the race again. I lost it last year, so my goal this last season has been to win this race.” “Everyone was on it today and I only just won that final, so I had to put it all in.” “I was going into that first corner and I was like “man I want to win that hole shot”. I got it done and it was great. It is a bit more i10 ncentive to get to the first corner first as much as you already want to.”

Barry Nobles

“Love being here, it’s become my second by now.” “Racing wasn’t how I quite wanted it to go but that’s BMX. I kind of left the door open and got passed.” “Its fun racing here, I’m having a blast and even though the results aren’t exactly what I wanted, I couldn’t be having more fun.” “I definitely would put it on the World Cup level as far as how they run it, by far it’s the best training we can do for the World Cup Season.” “No complaints at all, love it over here, good fun tracks (and) technical tracks.”

Matthew Juster

“I’ve been itching to get a win for 3 years now, so finally got the win and I’m stoked with it.” “To beat Anthony (Dean) is a really good achievement for me.” “It’s really hot out there, but I’ve been living here so I’ve been getting used to the heat, so it’s probably to my advantage.” “The plan is to go to the Manchester Supercross round and then do all the Supercross rounds if I can get there and try and win the National series. That’s the plan this year, got 3rd last year so want to go better and take the win.” “For the last 12 months I’ve been training really hard and it’s paying off for me finally.” 11 “I know the track really well so I’m looking forward to Westside in March.”

Caroline Buchanan “This weekend is about blowing out the cobwebs and wanting to challenge myself at the same time.” “I came here with a different attitude to today’s racing; I played it safe for the final and got the win. “Motos today meant that I was able to have those extra challenges and try to give the pro straight a go. Today it was the final that counted.” “Yeah, definitely a lot of confidence coming out of the of season. I put my flat pedals and have really taken it back to basics at a beginner level which has helped get back in touch with my bike.”

Hello Possum: Debbie Lockwood – This month, The Dirt caught up with Debbie Lockwood from the Nerang BMX. It wasn’t easy… over the 3 days that The Dirt was in Nerang for the BMX Australia National Series, Debbie was hard at it in the canteen that has become just as much a part of the event as the racing itself.

Debbie’s involvement spans 14 years with Nerang, the last 8 of those as an “active” member of the club through the canteen where you’ll find her on gate nights and race days. Drawn to the sport through her son who is now 18 years old, it was the desire to hone his bike riding ability that saw him free of training wheels at a young age. Buying a second hand bike for her son off a friend who no longer had a need for it, that too started Debbie off in the sport. Daughter Erin has followed in the same footsteps and the passion continues. Asked what it is about the sport she loves so much Debbie said the friendships and camaraderie is what she loves about it. “For me it’s the friendships I’ve made,” she said. “When you go to the Aussie titles or the Queensland titles everybody knows everybody else and it’s just amazing the friendships I’ve made.” “If Erin wasn’t riding anymore I’d still be here. I just really enjoy being around it.” And the friendships transcend boundaries too as Debbie tells us how she has helped others in their canteens and visitors from other clubs so willing to lend a hand when times are busy too. 13 “I’ve got a good bunch of ladies who come in and I know they will whenever they see me. I just have to holler “help” and people come running in.

“That’s what happened on the weekend. I just screamed out for some ladies to help then I had half a dozen people come running in! While Debbie is meticulous in how she runs the canteen and having plenty of stock on hand, nothing can prepare you for what mother nature throws your way. Temperatues were sky high all weekend and as a result the need to stay hydrated was even more important. “It was particularly hot, I couldn’t manage the water and Powerade enough,” she said. “Everytime I turned around it seemed to be we were out of water, we were out of Powerade even though we did a big order. “Our sweet chilli chicken wraps were a big hit, we go through so many of them; the fried rice is hit too.” The wraps are what the canteen at Nerang is famous for, though the idea started a little further north at Ashmore at the Queensland state titles one year. “I thought they are so easy to do and they are, we sell the most of them more than anything else. We sell them on gate nights on Wednesdays as well as race nights.” Pushed on any particular moment that stands out for her, it wasn’t until recently that she recalls one that was heartwarming to herself personally. ‘The highlight for me was that my daughter got to take the gate next to Caroline on the weekend and my heart just sank. I thought it doesn’t get any better than this. “All she wanted to do was get on the gate, let alone get on the gate next to her. I had everyone filming it; that would be my highlight.” Everyone knows Debbie, however she confesses that at times she may not know who everyone is despite giving them the warmest greeting as she says “hello possum”. Referred to as the possum lady by those who meet her, she can’t recall how it came about; Debbie just started saying it in her ever cheerful and bubbly tone. “It’s a term of endearment,” she said. “The kids love it!” “We’ve got a really good club and I’m very proud of everyone who’s in it. We’ve done an amazing job and we’re going forward leaps and bounds.” If you’re yet to experience just how good those sweet chilli wraps are at Nerang, do yourself a favour and drop in during a race meet to grab one. Not only will you get a great wrap, but you’ll be greeted and made to feel welcome by a lovely lady who is so passionate about her club and what she does at the club.

Cairns New Start Hill

Facilities in any sport cost money and generally a lot of it. But for clubs thinking about upgrading their facilities there are grants available to them from both local and state governments that are often coordinated by the respective Sport and Recreation offices.

In Queensland, one such grant available to sporting organisations is the “Get Playing” grant. Get Playing is one of three funding programs that comprise the Queensland Government’s Get in the Game initiative to support sport and recreation at the grassroots level. Get Playing aims to assist local sport and recreation organisations with facility development so more Queenslanders are encouraged to become involved in the sport and recreation activity of their choice. The Cairns BMX Club was awarded $100,000 in funding in the first round of grants under the program to upgrade its start hill – a project that was 18 months in the planning from design, quotes and paperwork. Construction got underway at the end of June and was finished in mid-‐August with just 2 weeks of racing missed as the track closes for 5 weeks to accommodate the Cairns Show. One the club’s members Matt LaSpina is a commercial builder, he won the job and undertook the construction. Part of the clubs "in-‐kind" component saw members help with fixing the flooring/deck and finishing aspects. 15 The access ramp was designed as an extra after levels were determined and was finished in the middle of October. Not wanting to miss out on racing, Cairns BMX Club shut the first 2 lanes and had to access via the ramp for a while proving they are a very determined bunch.

With the specs being UCI compliant the plan is to express interest in hosting National and State events which was the underlying factor in boosting their facilities. More recently the club has been awarded a second round of funding to build a roof over the gate and staging. And the reaction from members; well that’s been one of awe, excitement and fear with the club saying the biggest thing was getting the first obstacle correct so all members could negotiate it at the higher speeds. It took a couple of goes, but it’s sorted now. As for further development of Cairns BMX track: “We'd love a roof over everything, but for now, other than some track changes, we're as good as any international track.”

Clubs in other States should make contact with their Department of Sport & Recreation to enquire about what grants they may be eligible for. As an example in New South Wales there is the “Participation & Facility Program”, in Victoria there is the “Significant Sporting Events Program”, while Western Australia has “Sport 4 All”. Similar programs run in other states and territories too. 16

In last month’s edition of The Dirt we announced our first online competition with the good folks at LKI Clothing giving away a $250 gift pack. The response was huge and sifting through the hundreds of entries was a little daunting. The BMX Australia App proved to be a great way of sending competition entries. It’s so easy…. take a photo on your phone and then just send it through the App – no messing around with cameras or computers to enter. In the end there can only be one winner and despite the overwhelming task of judging all of the entries received, the winner of the $250 LKI gift pack is Michelle Cherubino who is a member of Mandurah BMX Club in Western Australia. CONGRATULATIONS Michelle!!

Here’s a look at some of the other entries we received. We’ll be running another competition shortly so keep an eye for that.

The DK Bicycles/LKI Clothing Hole Shot Award was a new innovation introduced in the opening rounds of the BMX Australia National series held earlier this month. A similar award has been used in the US for a number of seasons now, which by their own reckoning has added to the excitement of racing. The Hole Show Award will be awarded in the Finals of the Elite Men and the Elite Women. In the case where the Elite Women’s class does not run a final (i.e. 3 motos for points overall), the Hole Shot will be awarded in the Junior Elite Men as was the case in Round 1 of the National Series in Nerang. Round 1 Junior Elite Men: Max Cairns (VIC) Elite Men: Anthony Dean (SA) Round 2 Elite Women: Caroline Buchanan (ACT) 20 Elite Men: Matthew Juster (NT)

Lead Photo: Round 1 Junior Men Max Cairns Left: Round 1 Elite Men Anthony Dean

Above: Round 2 Elite Women Caroline Buchanan Right: Round 2 Elite Men Matthew Juster

BMX Australia is pleased to announce the first 10 athletes who have been selected into the BMX Australia Development Academy. The academy, which was announced last week, has been introduced to provide riders (aged 14 years through to Elite for men and women), and coaches with a clear pathway and is linked directly with the BMX Australia High Performance Program providing improved continuity and communication.

“Our sport continues to evolve at a rapid rate,” BMX Australia General Manager Mark Louis said. “By investing into the development of the sport our goal is to maintain Australia’s success through developing athletes who can adapt and perform at the sports highest levels” “Performance standards amongst athletes are a long way from where they were 5 years ago. What we are doing with the Development Academy is developing our athletes in line with what is needed to progress smoothly to the High Performance Program. “The riders selected have shown they are talented and by nurturing them we can assist them in reaching their goals. There is a long term focus for this Development Academy.” 23

The selected riders are: Boys Nathaniel Rodway – New South Wales Dylan Scruton – Queensland Jake Bowe – Queensland Matthew White – Victoria Andrew Hughes – New South Wales

Girls Millie Reed – Victoria Shelby Green -‐ Queensland Sara Jones – Queensland Dion Bromley – Queensland Aislynn Weber -‐ Queensland Jessica Lathwell – Western Australia

Sharon Willoughby (SA) has been appointed as the Coach of the Development Academy with a second coach to be appointed. Once the appointment of the second coach has been made, Junior and Elite Male and Female athletes will be added to the squad. Selected athletes came together for the first time at the development camp on the City of Gold Coast that was being run in conjunction with Rounds 1&2 of the BMX National Series at Nerang.

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2014 Rules As we enter the New Year, new changes have been implemented in the UCI Rule Book. Most notably have been the rule changes to rider apparel. Jersey 6.1.056 The jersey shall be a loose fitted long-‐sleeved shirt whose sleeves extend down to the rider's wrists. The following is not permitted for BMX jerseys: -‐ Lycra -‐ Zippers above the waist -‐ Back pockets -‐ Jerseys for Road/track cycling Pants 6.1.057 The pants shall be loose fitting long pants made of tear-‐resistant material. Loose fitting short pants made of tear-‐ resistant material are permitted if used together with knee and shin protection with a rigid surface that extends from the knee protection to fully cover the shin, or to just above the ankle. Lycra is not permitted unless for use under the pants and to cover knee-‐protection. Pants must be of a single piece construction, separated from the jersey at

Nunc cursus magna quis the waist. The following items are not permitted for BMX pants: -‐ One piece skin suits -‐ Tight fitted pants that need to be stretched in order to cover the legs -‐ Lycra pants -‐ Track and Field pants /jogging pants -‐ Road/Track cycling pants -‐ Denim / Jeans Red font denotes the addition of text to the rules for 2014 from 2013. To view the rules in their entirety, go to the BMX Australia website or the BMX Australia App.

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Advertising is available in the monthly editions of THE DIRT. Reach thousands of people each month. BMX is a youthful, family oriented sport demographic. Members are aged b etween 2 years through to 70 years are located right across Australia. There are several options available from full page, half page, quarter page and strip advertising – from causal rates to long term. For a25 m edia kit, please call BMX Australia on (02) 9339 5800 or email news@bmxaustralia.com.au

2014 National Sign On Day National Sign on Day is back in 2014!

AIM To reach people Australia wide who haven’t seen or experienced BMX before. WHY BMXA HOLDS NSOD WHEN Membership revenue 8-‐9 February Volunteers to assist the club 15-‐16 February Spectators 22-‐23 February Greater funding pulling power April-‐May (NT only) Potential Sponsorships Raising the profile of the Club Greater awareness of sport in the local area Clubs: Contact Lauren Ross – National Development Coordinator for details on how to hold your own National Sign on Day: development@bmxaustralia.com.au For more details: www.bmxaustralia.com.au

HPP CORNER I would like to start by congratulating all who participated in the first rounds of the Challenge, Champbikx and Probikx National Series for 2014, and well done to all podium finishers.

The extreme heat on the two days of the event has prompted the subject for this edition of The Dirt, considering also that extreme temperatures Paul Sales -‐ BMXAHPP are expected for the Victorian Track Atack series mid January, and that we could still expected warm weather for the Perth rounds of the Probikx/Champbikx series in March. I will discuss heat illness and dehydration and the strategies you can take as a rider to minimise the risk whilst still able to maximise your performance. Lets begin with heat illness of which 3 forms exist: heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat Cramps: the least severe of the illnesses and perhaps the one suffered the most by riders at Nerang. Cramping occurs to the muscles as a result of undertaking strenuous activity, and the combined loss of salts due to sweating. Cramping can also occur in cooler weather. Symptoms include painful limb cramps, thirst, fatigue, dizziness and nausea. Management of the condition: Cease the activity, and rest in a cool shaded area. Loosen clothing, remove helmet and compression garments. Replace fluids and include sports drink. The rider can possibly return to racing once the cramping has subsided, and maintains fluid/salt intake whilst continuing to reduce exposure to the hot conditions, utilising shade. Heat exhaustion: the next in line of severity. A rider will complain of cramping, but also a headache, and display poor judgement and a lack of co-‐ordination. This can be observed during racing and can end in injuries because of these symptoms, so early detection is paramount. Management of the condition: Cease all activity, and rest the rider in a cool shaded location. Loosen clothing and remove helmet, compression garments, ideally remove racing suit. Improve cooling by using fans, ice packs, cold water. Encourage fluid intake, even when the rider declines. Monitor for signs of shock and seek more advanced medical assistance. Heat Stroke: the most severe condition, and not to be confused with sun stroke -‐ which is exposure to sunlight in the absence of sun protection and leads to headaches and nausea. Heat stroke is identified by restlessness, confusion and aggression. An absence of sweating, hot dry skin, and loss of conciousness and collapse. Management of the condition: Seek immidiate medical assistance. Have the rider positioned laying down with legs slightly elevated, in a shaded cool location. Reduce core body temprature using ice packs under arms, inner thigh and around the neck, as these locations have arteries that travel close to the skin. 28 One of the major causes of these illnesses is lack of appropriate hydration strategies and salt replacement. Hydration is maintaining the body’s fluid requirements, with water the main form.

Avoid sugar laden drinks such as softdrinks and fruit juices. Salts which are lost via sweat and urination are necessary for several bodily functions in general and particulairly during exercise. Salts can be replaced via consumption of sports drinks, salty type foods such as pretzels, or electolyte replacements such as Gastrolyte. How to Prepare for a Race Day Ideally riders should prepared for competition and training by introducing strategies that will eliminate or at least minimise the effects of heat illness. Be aware of the condition you are about to compete or train in. Check using weather forecasting applications. Have access to water, sports drinks and/or electrolyte replacements. Bring a salt based food such as pretzels or salted nuts to events. Have ice and cold towels prepared. Provide a shaded area and allow conditions that will assist cooling and exposure to breeze/wind. Ensure pre-‐hydration is undertaken prior to the event, this may mean ensuring ample fluid intake 48 to 72 hours prior to the event dependant on expected conditions. Check your hydration levels via urine colour, if its clear or a light straw colour, hydration is adequate. Measure your weight before and after an event to ensure fluid replacement is adequate. For each 100gr weight loss, fluid replacement is required at 150ml (1:1.5 ratio). A novel way of ensuring fluid replace, and lowering core body temperature is consuming slushies, these also provide a certain amount of carbohydrate. These strategies are regularly employed by the BMX Australia High Performance Program, with riders attached to the program being constantly educated in ways in which to ensure hydration is maintained. I will be at the Perth event and if you would like to discuss anything raised in this article feel free to chat with me. In my next article I will cover various recovery techniques that are suitable for riders.