The Dirt - October 2015 by BMX Australia

THE DIRT OCTOBER 2015

AUSSIES BATTLE RAINSWEPT CONDITIONS IN WORLD CUP FINALE

CAMERON PROVES AGE IS NO BARRIER TO BMX

QLD CHAMPIONSHIPS CONCLUDE IN CAIRNS

BMX IN THE TERRITORY GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STREGTH

NSW’S BEST BRING THE HEAT IN LAKE MACQAURIE

BMX AUSTRALIA NATIONAL SERIES

BMX AUSTRALIA NATIONAL SERIES Entries are now open for rounds one to six of the 2016 BMX Australia National Series to be held on some of the best tracks in the country. Intended participants encouraged to spread the word and ensure entry is secured before it’s too late by visiting the following link: http://www.bmxaustralia.com.au/en-au/eventsresults/2016bmxnationalseries.aspx The format for the 2016 series has been shortened and condensed, designed to work with changes made to the international season as a result of the Olympic Games in Rio. The series is set to be held over seven absorbing rounds on some of the best tracks in the country, with racing to be held in south-east Queensland, Queensland’s far north coast and Victoria before finally concluding at the 2016 BMX National Championships in Bathurst. The series will start with rounds one and two to be held at Nerang BMX Club on the Gold Coast, Queensland, from January 1 – 2, before the series moves north to the Cairns BMX Club, for rounds three and four to be held over the Australia Day long weekend on January 23 - 24. Shepparton BMX Club, Victoria, will then host rounds 5 and 6 to be held over the weekend of February 6 – 7, before the series concludes with round seven at the soon to be built Bathurst track during the annual National Championships. The series will see the best domestic and international riders descend on each of these locations to compete for points to build towards the honour of becoming crowned the 2016 National Series champion. Don’t miss your chance to compete in Australia’s premier domestic competitions. Enter into the first six rounds at: http://www.bmxaustralia.com.au/en-au/eventsresults/2016bmxnationalseries.aspx Please note that the manual entry form will be available from next week.

2016 Schedule

Dates

Round(s)

Location

January 1 - 2

1&2

Nerang BMX Club, Gold Coast, QLD

January 23 - 24

3&4

Cairns BMX Club, Cairns, QLD

February 6 - 7

5&6

Shepparton BMX Club, Shepparton, VIC

March 3

Bathurst SX Track, Bathurst, NSW

CAMERON PROVES AGE IS NO BARRIER TO BMX BMX World Championships in Zolder, Belgium, Cameron competed in the 30+ Cruiser division, against women up to 17-years her junior. Although giving up a significant head start in both experience and youth, Cameron proved age isn’t everything, narrowly missing out on the final after finishing fifth in her semi for the second year running. There’s no question that BMX is a physically demanding sport. It’s one that requires its participants to be as tough as nails, given they are more likely to be involved in a crash than any sport on the planet. So at 47, it’s not often someone will pick up a bike and get riding, but that is precisely what Sandy Cameron did.

tore a ligament in my knee,” she said. “Worse than that, his handle bar went through my cheek bone which wasn’t real nice.” Incredibly, the incident made Cameron hungrier than ever to get back on the bike and continue to learn and develop, epitomising the outstanding toughness of all those who ride BMX.

“It’s hard that I have to give so many years away to these girl’s, but it doesn’t stop me getting out there and having a “It didn’t deter me from riding at all, go,” she said. because I hadn’t learned what I wanted to learn,” she said. “I made a tactical error in the semi this year and paid for it, so I kick myself every “It took time to get over the pain, partime I think about it. ticularly in my knee and I had to focus on overcoming my mental tentativeness, “I will be one year older next year com- but that’s what this sport is all about, if Four years ago, Cameron decided to peting against another batch of younger you go down you pick yourself up and go ditch her road bike and jump on a riders, so it’s annoying to think that this again. BMX after seeing a flyer for a ‘Come & could have been the year, but I guess Try’ day at the local Penrith BMX Club, there is only one way to find out.” “Every time I ride something improves, and in doing so sparked a passion there is still so much to learn, I’ll be ridthat has taken her across the country You would be forgiven for thinking that it ing for as long as I can.” and abroad to the last three UCI BMX has all been smooth sailing for Cameron World Championships. in the sport of BMX. A nasty crash in just In the meantime, Cameron is now her first year of competing forced her to focused and ready to compete at the Taken back by the skill of the riders spend just shy of 12 months off the bike. upcoming NSW State Titles at the Lake and the fantastic camaraderie that the Macquarie BMX Club, where she will sport boasts, Cameron set out to learn “It happened in one of my first races as a once again try and get the better of the everything she could. newbie, I got tangled up underneath an- younger generation. It would take a other rider and broke my collarbone and brave punter to write her off. “I saw the young kids jumping and doing manuals and I thought to myself, I really want to learn that,” Cameron said. “So for the past four years I have made it my mission to do just that.” And learn she has. At this year’s UCI

AUSSIES BATTLE RAINSWEPT CONDITIONS IN WORLD CUP FINALE No less than 19 Aussies were in Rock Hill, South Carolina last weekend to contest the fifth and final round of the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup series. The multi million-dollar Olympic facility, the only one of its kind on the east coast of America, held up remarkably well in the largely wet conditions across the two days, paving the way for some thrilling racing under the stadium lights. Things got off to a great start for Australia when nine of fourteen riders successfully navigated their way through the notoriously unpredictable qualification rounds, made even harder by the unrelenting rain. Sam Willoughby and Caroline Buchanan then built on this success to produce impressive performances in their respective time trial superfinals. Fortunately, the rain had largely stopped by the time the top sixteen men took to the track, providing past world champion Willoughby the opportunity to spread his wings and send a warning to his rivals ahead of racing. Although far from perfect, he managed to post an impressive time that momentarily earned him the lead, before he was eventually dethroned by Ducthman Niek Kimmann by just .073 seconds. Anthony Dean, whose causal time trial demeanour was again on display, finished in 14th, while Bodi Turner was 12th. In the elite women, Buchanan produced a solid time to also momentarily occupy the hot seat, however she was again unseated by current time trial world champion Mariana Pajon for the second world cup in a row, who bested Buchanan’s time by .265 seconds. Lauren Reynolds also had a shot at posting the best time, however didn’t produce her best to finish in seventh. The rain refused to let up throughout the entire race program the following, but once again the multi million-dollar track demonstrated what money can buy, holding up remarkably in the deluge to deliver world class racing much to the delight of the brave fans in attendance.

Dean lead the way for Australia, keeping a cool head to safely navigate his way through to the final, his experience at the big events on full display on a night where even a slight mistake cost dearly. Indeed, even Sam Willoughby, a rider whose ability to consistently make main events has become a hallmark of his career, was eliminated in the semi-final after marginally missing the start. While Bodi Turner also fell just short, finishing fifth in his semi, ultimately left with too much to do from lane eight. Matthew Juster was next best for Australia finishing 21st overall, followed by Corey Frieswyk (40th), Josh Callan (44th), Tom Siinmaa (53rd) and Brandon Te Hiko (56th). W

The final itself was an absorbing contest, with duel Olympic champion Maris Strombergs emerging from the pack to secure his first world cup win of the season, and a record seventh of his decorated career. Stromberg’s win did much to highlight the current strength of the men’s elite class, with any number of riders capable of winning on their day, something Dean is acutely aware of heading into an Olympic year. “The rain was definitely a factor out there tonight, not so much the track but dealing with the cold and wet goggles and handle grips was tough, it was more of a mental factor out there than anything,” Dean said. “The elite class is so strong at the moment, which is to be expected in the lead up to an Olympic year, so it’s no surprise everyone is going fast.” “So it’s crucial that you find an edge out there, which really comes down to the main event and not cracking under the pressure to make it happen.”

In the elite women’s main event, Olympic champion Marian Pajon and American Alise Post took to the start ramp knowing that a win would be enough to secure the World Cup series title. Ultimately it was Pajon who stamped her authority as the best in the world with a brilliant last straight to pip Stefany Hernandez on the line for the win and the series title, while Post’s world cup dreams came crashing down when she hit the deck on the penultimate straight. Buchanan looked sharp in the lead up to the main event, as she chased a top three finish to secure a World Cup series podium. However, things didn’t go the way she would have liked when it mattered, never featuring up the front to finish in sixth. The result saw her finish the series in fourth, with compatriot Lauren Reynolds next best in sixth. Also braving the elements in the elite women was Melinda McLeod (16th), Lauren Reynolds (18th), Rachel Jones (24th), Kirsten Dellar (27th) and Leanna Curtis (32nd). Other Aussies in action at Rock Hill were Harriet Burbidge-Smith (40th), Tristyn Kronk (72nd), Andrew Hughes (80th), Josh McLean (96th) and David Habicht (104th). For a full list of results please visit: http://bit.ly/1NWDHpj The 2016 UCI Supercross World Cup season will commence in Santiago Del Estero, Argentina to be held from March 25-26.

Great Britain’s Liam Phillips cast a dejected figure after unclipping down the start ramp to finish eighth, his spirits undoubtedly lifted when he was crowned World Cup series champion for the second year in a row, the first time that has been achieved in Supercross history. The result meant Dean finished in fifth overall, Willoughby in sixth and Turner ninth in what has been a breakout international season for the 21-year old.

NOMINATION FOR INDEPENDENT SELECTOR BMX Australia is now calling for nominations for the position of independent selector for the National BMX selection committee. The national selection committees are constituted by: • the national coach; and • two(2) independent selectors appointed alternately for two-year termsW National selection committees are convened and facilitated by the High Performance Manager in a non-voting capacity. The position now open for nomination is: National Selector (appointed to end 2017) Written nominations for the above position, with a brief resume of elite level experience as a coach or selector should be forwarded to the Executive Assistant, BMX Australia at: beth.withers@bmxaustralia.com.au or PO Box 6402, Alexandria NSW 2015 by close of business Friday 30 October 2015. The BMXA Board of Directors will confirm appointment for a two-year term, 2016 & 2017

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK I can only see exciting times ahead for the sport of BMX and It’s timely for BMX Australia to continue its journey and set itself firmly on the world stage. As we are less than twelve months away from the RIO Olympics and BMX Australia’s AWE High Performance Program submission is well underway to be submitted sometime in November of this year to the AIS. With the roll out of the 2015 to 2018 BMX Australia’s Strategic Plan including our future office structure of BMX in Australia will continue to afford a strong platform to grow and cement its position as a world leading sport. This along with the right development in grass roots should see the sport in good stead into the future. The BMX Australia board recognizes the need to continue to work closely with our state organisations as they are our business partners and together we can ensure these business plans fit the needs of our members and steer the sport to 2020 and beyond. With the situational analysis report now completed and presented to the board by Anita Wells coaching director of BMX Australia and Tricia Herbert an independent consultant and author of the independent report.. Looking towards the future BMX Australia board sees the Olympic dreams of our athletes being fulfilled under one seamless pathway from mini wheeler through to High Performance Program and Olympic dream. BMX Australia recognizes and thanks The Australian Sports Commission for the support it’s received as an NSO (National Sporting Organisation). In closing to all the volunteers within the sport of BMX, Thank-you for volunteering, without you our athletes and the sport would be greatly disadvantaged. Yours In the Sport of BMX Barry Knight President of BMX Australia

NSW’S BEST BRING THE HEAT IN LAKE MACQUARIE Extreme heat wasn’t enough to deter an impressive turnout at the Lake Macquarie BMX Club recently as the states’ best went toe to toe at the NSW State Championships. Despite the dilapidating heat making conditions difficult for riders, with temperatures as high as 38 degrees across the weekend, the racing remained fierce and exciting in what was the best attendance in more than 25 years, with 978 entries recorded from all 22 NSW clubs.

The event was the swansong for the track, which was in magnificent condition, with extra care taken to give it the send off it deserved before it was torn down following the event. Racing commenced on Saturday October 3, as a record contingent of Sprockets hit the track to demonstrate what the future of our sport can do. They were then followed by the Cruiser and 14+ Pro 20inch who produced absorbing racing under a blazing Spring sky more reminiscent of a Summer scorcher. It proved to be a weekend to remember for the Sakakibara siblings, Kai and Saya, who dominated the weekend on the bike and off it. The duo from the Southlake/Illawarra BMX Club won every race on their way to the men and women’s 14+ Open Money Race, before claiming the respective accolades as the senior riders of the year at the annual BMX NSW awards presentation dinner at the Belmont 16ft Sailing Club on the Saturday night. The award recipients from the awards night are below: Officials of the Year - Warwick Smith & Kim Chaston Volunteer of the Year - Greg O’Hearn Coach of the Year - Brett Scruse Junior Riders of the Year - Taya Pace & Kirk Cleaven Senior Riders of the Year - Saya Sakakibara & Kai Sakakibara

More stifling heat and the promise of state plates in the 20inch class faced riders on Sunday, with energy conservation seemingly the key to success. In the 15-year-old boy’s, reigning World Champion Nathanial Rodway’s class and home track knowledge was on full display as he went undefeated throughout the day, besting the two Terrigal boys Steve Wakeham and Lleyton Pal in a competitive final. Fellow reigning world champion Saya Sakakibara continued her weekend of dominance to go undefeated in the 16-year-old girl’s, beating Jessica McCormack (Macarthur) and 15-year-old Mikayla Rose (Tuggeranong) in

what was a merged final.

Despite the immense competition in the 17+ Open Men, young gun Sakakibara showed he will be a force to be reckoned with on the national stage after he went undefeated all day to beat former Australian champion Luke Madill (LMX) as Billy Jolliffee (Lake Macquarie) came home in third.

In the 17+ Open Women, the lessons learned by Leanna Curtis (Southlake/Illawarra) during her hit out at the recent UCI Supercross World Cup event in Rock Hill, USA proved decisive as she stormed to victory in the final ahead of Tenae Brookes (Maitland Tenambit) and club mate Gemma-Lee Thomas.

Despite the heat the event ran flawlessly, a testament to the hard work and tireless hours that were poured into the event in the month’s prior, a fact not lost on BMX NSW President Neil Cameron. “It all went very well, the track was in excellent condition and there was plenty of close racing with very few accidents which was pleasing to see,” Cameron said.

“Well done to all of our state champions and congratulations to all state plate holders, as well as our state series winners and of course our Dynamites and Crackerjack teams.

“Finally a massive thankyou must go to all the officials, volunteers, riders and parents on an awesome event, as well as a big well done to the BMXNSW & Lake Macquarie Boards for all of their hard work.”

BMX IN THE TERRITORY GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH BMX was the winner during another magnificent edition of the Trojon Fencing Contractors NTBMX Titles recently, as riders went toe to toe at the Jingili BMX Club in Darwin. An impressive 307 entries from right across Australia congregated on the impressive, covered facility in the pursuit of the highly prized NT plates. Riders got their first taste recently during pre-titles, with the event providing the perfect opportunity for riders to dial in their preparation ahead of more serious competition, whilst giving the spectators a preview of things to come. Joshua McLean (Knox) and Sara Jones (Caboolture) took out the 14+ Open money races on the night. The Friday evening marked the official opening of the titles, with riders that had competed in five, 10 and even 15 titles recognised before racing got underway for the younger 20inch riders and the cruiser divisions. Saturday’s racing promised to be a cracking affair and it delivered, as the riders put it all on the line in pursuit of 20inch NT plates. The program reached a crescendo on Saturday night as the 14+ Open men went toe to toe for the right to be called NT champion. Queenslander Dirk Winter (Sunshine Coast) proved too strong for the impressive field, winning five

from five on his way to victory in the final ahead of Hayden Jones (Caboolture) in second and home track hope Zain Dilshad in third. In the corresponding women’s event, Sara Jones (Caboolture) dominated the five moto format, winning all but one as she stormed to victory ahead of Ellie Ascoli (Jingili) and Tara Rowlands (Satellite City). For a full list of results please visit: http://www.ezeventing.com. au/events.php#pastEvents BMXNT secretary Jason Eecen praised the effort of the club, which has worked tirelessly over the past few months to ensure the event would be a success. “Plenty of work has gone into these titles over the past couple of months, and the club has done a wonderful job of bringing all the necessary facilities together,” Eecen said. “A big thank you must go to all the volunteers who sacrificed their time in helping to make the event a reality.”

Pictures by Kirsty Fairchild

QUEENSLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS CONCLUDE IN CAIRNS It was a fantastic week of racing at the Cairns BMX Club last month, with riders contesting the 2015 Queensland State Titles. This year’s edition was the biggest on record, with an incredible 1770 entries recorded across all classes a tremendous testament to the strength of BMX racing in Queensland. These numbers, paired with surprisingly mild weather and clear skies, helped to produce an event to remember. Racing commenced with the pre-titles which were contested by no less than 570 entries, and provided riders with an opportunity to tune in the track under race conditions, while providing spectators a taste of things to come later in the week. The annual awards dinner, held on the Wednesday night, was an opportunity to recognise notable achievement both on and off the track. The inaugural ‘Ride Awards’ were particularly well received, and were presented to 13 and under male and female riders, and 14 and over male and female riders who had demonstrated the ‘Ride’ values of respect, integrity, dedication and enjoyment throughout the year. BMX Australia President, Barry Knight, also paid tribute to the 22 world plate holders from Queensland, who were also recognised on the night, calling it an “incredible achievement.”

Officials, volunteers, coaches and zone teams were also acknowledged on the night. Friday and Saturday brought with it the opportunity to earn state plates in the 20inch class, producing some thrilling racing much to the delight of those in attendance. Reigning world champions Thomas Tucker (10-year boys), Tyson Kenny (11-year boys) and Des’Ree Barnes (13-year girls) showed their class to win their respective divisions, while unfortunately Bayview’s Sarsha Huntington failed to make it to the start ramp in the 30-34 women after injuring herself during practice. In the prestigious AA men, Joseph Costa (Cairns) used every bit of his home track knowledge to emerge victorious in a stacked field, beating out Connor Pratt (Bundaberg) in second and Joel Clarke (Nerang) in third. While in the corresponding AA women, Shelby Green (Townsville) reigned supreme in what was her very first outing in the division, beating the Cairns duo of Jacinta Pink and Ashleigh Gunn. In a great boost for the sport, Senator Glenn Lazarus was also in attendance on the Saturday, and was particularly wrapped with the spectacle, insisting on hanging around to help with the presentations at the end of the day. So impressed was Lazarus with our sport, that he intends to talk it up when he

heads back to Canberra. The week then concluded last Sunday with the Cruiser class, capping off a fantastic week of competitive racing, and wonderful sportsmanship. Queensland Vice President Dan Browning was quick to pay tribute to everyone who helped to make the event such a resounding success. “Special mention must go to all of the volunteers, whose dedication throughout the week was outstanding,” Browning said. “The event just wouldn’t be possible without their dedication, respect and professionalism. “A big thankyou must also go to the Cairns BMX Club for all they have done in ensuring the week was such a resounding success.” Congratulations to to all riders who competed throughout the week, for a full list of results please visit: http://www.ezeventing.com.au/events.php#pastEvents