THE DIRT

special edition

THE DIRT

THE DIRT

bmxaustralia.com.au

Cover: Mini Wheeler Obie Groenwege being assisted around the track by official Tracey Vince

IN THIS ISSUENATIONALS OVERVIEW

bmx butcher - 68

thank you

grands challenge

national series CHAMPIONS

awards night

bathurst - 2016

Do you have a great BMX story that needs to be told? Maybe it’s about a hero, or long serving individual around the club?

It could be an inspiring story or a tale of exceptional achievement.

Whatever it is we love hearing from our BMX family, and more than that we like to share your stories with everyone else.

If you think someone’s story deserves to be heard get in touch with us at news@bmx.com.au and it could feature in future editions of ‘The Dirt’ so get writing!!

we want your stories

we want your stories

nationalswrap up The Subaru BMX National Championships have wrapped up for another year, and despite some challenging weather, have been hailed as a tremendous success by BMX Australia President Barry Knight.

The six-day event held at the Brisbane SX Track, Sleeman Sports Complex, witnessed the starting gates drop almost 2000 times in events ranging from Mini-Wheelers (2-4yrs) to 50+ and the Elite with internationally acclaimed competitors like 2012 Olympic silver medallist and World Champion Sam Willoughby and defending National Champion Caroline Buchanan.

All in all despite some difficult weather conditions, particularly on the Thursday and Friday, over 3200 entrants competed in 60 classes, including the inaugural Grands Challenge.

Early projections show that between $10-11million will be injected into the local economy.

BMX President Barry Knight said the event was a resounding success, due in no small part to the efforts of the two communities involved – those from the BMX family and the locals, headed by the staff at the Sleeman Sports Complex.

“We have had a challenging week of racing at what is a great facility and the BMX family were able to overcome the weather issues that were in front of us,” Knight said.

“I would like to thank everyone from our volunteer officials to the competitors, sponsors, including our principal partner Subaru, council, BMXA staff and the local community who have all contributed to make this event one of the most successful BMX National Championships in memory.

BMXA Development Academy riders Brandon Te Hiko & Rachelle Smith coaching at the Sprocket Clinic

“We also extended our progressive live streaming offering to four days and two nights, including our annual awards dinner, broadcasting our great sport around the world.”

From a racing standpoint, Caroline Buchanan (Tuggeranong) and rising star Corey Frieswyk (Walkerston) were crowned elite Australian champions.

Racing at dusk on an extended day of competition, following shocking weather on the Friday, forced the postponement of several events. Buchanan and Frieswyk mastered the tricky, greasy track best.

In the women’s race, Buchanan held her mettle coming out of the first turn as rival and former world championships silver medallist Lauren Reynolds (Bunbury) attempted a powerful passing move that brought her crashing to the dirt.

Minutes later Frieswyk, stormed home from fifth on the last turn in a drama packed race as first World Champion Sam Willoughby (Happy Valley), then last year’s world number four Anthony Dean (Cross Keys), National Series champ Bodi Turner (Eastfield) and finally teenager Kai Sakakibara (Southlake/Illawarra) all slid out and fell on the final berm.

In the Junior Men’s event, prodigy Brandon Te Hiko (Geelong) proved too good for Shane Rosa (The Cove) and Joshua McLean (Knox).

The corresponding women’s event saw Tyler-Lea Thorley (Nerang) claim the biggest win of her burgeoning career with a comprehensive win over Clare McNamara (Terrigal) and Rachel Gaskin (Southside).

A post produced highlights package will appear on Fox Sports, with more content to set to appear on BMX TV, BMX Australia’s YouTube channel.

National Champions Caroline Buchanan & Corey Frieswyk

bmx butcher - 68When Butch Broomfield quit BMX racing in 1999, Australia’s Olympic silver medallist Sam Willoughby was only 8-years-old.

At the time he hopped off the racetrack Broomfield was 53 and had spent two decades in the sport.

Now he’s back on the BMX, and recently joined Willoughby, Buchanan and a cast of thousands to compete at the 2015 Subaru BMX National Championships as the oldest competitor.

Butch, now 68 years young, rode in the 50+years cruiser division where he finished sixth in the final following a 16-year hiatus.

In his first foray in the sport, starting in 1980, Broomfield competed for 20 straight years and won eight Australian championships and the world title in in the 45+years cruiser event in 1998 as a spritely 52-year-old.

When he retired from his second ‘career’ as a labourer at a brickworks in 2012 Butch – who in his first career plied his trade as a butcher, hence the name – decided to return to racing to stay in shape.

“I first got into BMX after watching my nephew compete in 1980,” Broomfield remembers.

“Then my son joined and so did I. I raced for a long time and then broke my leg working as a butcher and changed jobs.

“I couldn’t afford to break my leg again on the track so I stopped racing but never stopped riding. I lived seven kilometres away from where I worked so I rode my BMX to the brickworks every day. Saved the car from getting dusty.

“Once I finished with work I needed something to stay fit and keep the weight off so I went back to racing at my club, Centenary Plains.

“I was just going to come back and ride at the club meets but once you get back into it you can’t stop there.”

While keeping his 68-year-old body in check was the main reason for bringing Broomfield back to the BMX track, the family friendly environment that encapsulates the sport of BMX was another major factor.

“I just really enjoy it, it’s a great sport,” Broomfield said.

“I love the camaraderie you get. You race and then after it everyone is friendly. It’s that sort of sport.

“I enjoy seeing the kids race and the fact a family can go to the track, everyone can race. Everyone will get at least four races, all in the same place and then you pack up and go home. No one needs to be taken to this place and that, you’re all together, as a family.”

And when Broomfield made his appearance at the Subaru BMX National Championships it was part of one huge BMX family – 3226 entries, ranging in age from 2-68 and coming from every state and territory in the country.

thank youWe would like to say a number of big thankyou’s to all those involved in helping to run the Subaru BMX National Championships, where despite some challenges and torrential weather everyone pulled together to make it a fantastic event.

Firstly a massive thank you to all the volunteers who gave their time during the Subaru Australia BMX National Championships. Without your tireless help and commitment the event would never be able to go ahead, and your support during torrential conditions was remarkable.Put simply volunteers are the backbone of our great sport.

BMX Australia and the board would also like to say a big thank you to the Sleeman Sports Complex and all of its staff for helping us to run the event, and for been so generous with your time and resources. Events like the Nationals take months of planning, and everyone involved at Sleeman went to every length to ensure it was a success.

Finally, BMX Australia and the board would like to say a massive thank you to BMX Queensland for all their support and assistance in helping to make the event a success. Without a successful partnership with the host state, our hallmark event would never be able to go ahead.

Elite Men racing of the 8m start hill

grands challenge

Six lucky riders won themselves a trip to the Grand Nationals BMX event in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after taking out their age group of the inaugural Grands Challenge at the Subaru BMX National Championships.

The initiative from BMX Australia was on offer to the male and female winner of each of the 16yr, Junior and Elite races, with the fields made up of the top eight Australian riders based on National Series points for each class at the end of the 2015 National Series.

Elite riders Bodi Turner and Sarah Harvey, juniors Lachlan Harvey and Tyler-Lea Thorley and 16years competitors Joshua James and Sara Jones all scored enough points in the three final, final format, to be declared winners.

This incredible prize includes return economy flights to Tulsa, Oklahoma, accommodation for five nights and entry into the 2015 Race of Champions (ROC) and Grand Nationals events.

Thorley, who had the best weekend of her burgeoning career with a win in the Junior National Championships capped off the performance with a clean sweep of the three races.

“This Grands Challenge concept is so cool,” Thorley said.

“To be able to give some of the best riders in the country the chance to win a trip to America is probably the best prize you could ever ask for.”

The Grand Nationals are from November 27-29 in Tulsa, Oklahoma and will feature riders from all over the world.

Sam Willoughby 2 x USA Grands Champion

NATIONAL SERIES CHAMPIONS

The ninth and final round of the 2015 BMX Australia National Series was tainted by torrential rain that wreaked havoc at the Brisbane SX Track, Sleeman Sports Complex.

Doubling as the Oceania Championships there was plenty to play for heading into the final round of the series, with double points on offer and a number of riders in contention within their respective divisions.

Due to dangerous conditions racing was reduced to just two, and in some cases one moto, with Oceania champions decided on moto results, with fastest times in the final moto used to differentiate between equal results.

In the Elite men, Bodi Turner (Eastfields) successfully defended his National Series title with 1710 points after he finished second in round nine, while Max Cairns (Park Orchards) was crowned Oceania Champion. Turner held off fellow Victorian Joshua Callan (Lilydale) on 1370 points, while Corey Frieswyk (Walkerston) finished third on 1170 points.

In the Elite women Lauren Reynold’s (Bunbury) was crowned Oceania champion, with the win proving decisive in the race to the title as she finished on 1590 points to snatch victory from defending champion Caroline Buchanan (Tuggeranong) just 10 points, Buchanan finished on 1580 points, while Sarah Harvey (Pine Rivers) was third on 1320 points.

Brandon Te Hiko (Geelong) claimed the Junior National Series crown with 1650 points, holding off fierce rival Shane Rosa (The Cove) on 1460 points, while Joshua McLean’s (Knox) Oceania win saw him surge to third on 1290 points.

In the Junior women it was New Zealander Zoe Fleming who claimed Oceania victory and the National Series crown with 1680 points, getting the better of Bunbury’s Rachelle Smith in second with 1460 points and Nerang’s Tyler-Lea Thorley in third with 1290 points.

Saya Sakakibara (Southlake/Illawarra) made it a series to remember after she went undefeated through nine rounds to storm to victory with a maximum of 1800 points in the 16-year girl’s, Sara Jones (Caboolture) finished in second with 1560 points, while Dion Bromley (Moranbah) on 1320 points was third.

In the corresponding 16-year boy’s it was Joshua Boyton (Centenary Plains) who claimed the Oceania victory and with it the National Series crown with 1690 points, Joshua James (Cairns) finished in second on 1360 points, while James Tait (Knox) was third with 1250 points.

It was an impressive performance by Ashlee Miller (Castle Hill) in the 14-year girl’s, who not only won the Oceania championships but also won seven of the final seven rounds to finish with a maximum 1800 points, Felicia Thomas (Tuggeranong) was second with 1400 points, while Molly McGill (Ashmore) was third on 1360 points.

Other Oceania Champions crowned on the night were Declan Jaehne (Penrith) in the 14-year boy’s, Shelby Green (Townsville) in the 15-year girl’s, Ben Spratt (Suncoast Hinterland) in the 15-year boy’s, Levi Collins (Shepparton) in the 30+ Masters, Beau Pratt (Bundaberg) in the 17-29 men, and Lacey Oliver (Nerang) in the 17+ women.

Congratulations also to the rest of our National Series winners, Declan Jaehne (Penrith) in the 14-year boy’s, Shelby Green (Townsville) in the 15-year girl’s, Riley Carter (Wanneroo) in the 15-year boy’s, Levi Collins (Shepparton) in the 30+ Masters, Beau Pratt (Bundaberg) in the 17-29 men, and Lacey Oliver (Nerang) in the 17+ women.

Brisbane SX Track

bmx australia awards nightThere was not a helmet, bike or muddy jersey in sight as riders, officials, supporters and VIP guests celebrated the sport’s night of nights at the 2015 BMX Australia awards in Brisbane on Saturday May 2.

The event was hosted by Olympian Luke Madill and BMX personality Alan Phillips, and guests on the night watched a video message from Prime Minister Tony Abbott and enjoyed entertainment from veteran guest speaker Robyn Moore.

There was a raffle to raise funds for BMXA’s charity partner, the Make a Wish Foundation, and lucky door prizes courtesy of major sponsors Sony Action Cam and Troy Lee Designs.

In between the entertainment, prizes were awarded for the podium finishers from this year’s Oceania Championships and National Series, the riders for the Test Team to face New Zealand (14-15 years) was announced and BMXA President Barry Knight addressed the crowd.

The highlight of the night however was the main presentations with Abe Schneider and Sally Howie receiving Recognition of Service awards, Tammy Clarke (South Australia) and Simon Anderson (Victoria) winning Coach of the Year trophies, Andrea Dallinger (NSW) and Chris Houghton taking home Official of the Year prizes and Rio Olympic hopefuls Sam Willoughby and Caroline Buchanan the Athlete of the Year gongs.

BMXA President Barry Knight said the awards evening was an opportunity to recognise the tireless efforts and outstanding achievements from members across the entire BMX Australia community.

“We have seen some sensational racing under trying conditions over the past week during the Subaru BMX National Championships but tonight’s awards night was an opportunity to enjoy and celebrate some wonderful achievements from many members of the BMXA family,” Knight said.

“To be successful our sport requires immense contributions from so many volunteers and officials as well as the riders and some of those were recognised tonight.

“On behalf of the BMXA board and indeed the entire BMXA family it was a particular honour to recognise the Recognition of Service awardees Abe Schneider and Sally Howie, who have given our great sport many years of selfless service.”

The night was also significant for co-host Madill, who earlier in the day had become the first rider in history to compete in 30 consecutive BMXA National Championships.

Officials of the Year - Chris Houghton & Andrea Dallinger

14 Girls - Ashlee Miller (1st), Felicia Thomas (2nd), Molly McGill (3rd)

15 Girls - Shelby Green (1st), Mikayla Rose (2nd), Iesha Anderson (3rd)

16 Girls - Saya Sakakibara (1st), Sara Jones (2nd),Dion Bromley (3rd)

14 Boys - Declan Jaehne (1st), Ethan Partridge (2nd), Cooper Tye (3rd)

15 Boys - Riley Carter (1st), Izaac Kennedy (2nd),Steve Wakeham (3rd) (absent)

16 Boys - Joshua Boyton (1st), Joshua James (2nd), James Tait (3rd)

Coaches of the Year - Simon Anderson & Tammy Clarke

Junior Women - Zoe Fleming (1st), Rachelle Smith (2nd), Tyler-Lea Thorley (3rd) (absent)

Elite Women - Lauren Reynolds (1st), Caroline Buchanan (2nd), Sarah Harvery (3rd)

Male Athlete of the Year - Sam WilloughbyFemale Athlete of the Year - Caroline Buchanan

Guest Speaker Robyn Moore

Elite Men - Bodi Turner (1st), Josh Callan (2nd), Corey Frieswyk (3rd)

Recognition of Service - Sally Howie & Abe Schneider

Junior Men - Brandon Te Hiko (1st), Shane Rosa (2nd), Joshua McLean (3rd)

bathurst2016

BMX in Central NSW is set for a significant boost thanks to confirmation that Bathurst will host the 2016 Subaru BMX National Championships at the soon to be built world-class BMX facility at Mount Panorama.

The track, when complete, will rival not only the best in the country but those throughout the world, with no short cuts to be taken in both design and construction.

The development is part of an overall bike facility currently under construction in Bathurst that includes a bike track and clubhouse complete with change rooms, offices and a canteen.

The Bathurst Council has approved a significant amount of money for the BMX phase of the project as part of its 2015/16 budget.

BMX Australia have worked closely with the council in ensuring that the project goes ahead, with President Barry Knight making frequent trips to Bathurst to ensure that all support necessary was provided for the project.

“Bathurst Regional Council has made a strong commitment to our sport and we are delighted to be able to award the 2016 Subaru BMX National Championships to Bathurst,” Knight said.

“The facility will be world class and we expect to see more than 3000 entrants, including our Elite men and women who will be vying for Olympic spots, will be on the track.”

Mayor of Bathurst Cr Gary Rush said Bathurst Regional Council welcomed the announcement that Bathurst will host the 2016 National BMX Championships.

“This is a significant event, in a sport with high participation numbers and hosting the National BMX Championships is an opportunity for Bathurst to showcase our city to a national audience; bringing competitors from across Australia to compete on a new BMX track,“ Mayor Rush said.

“Bathurst has a reputation for successfully hosting major sporting events and this is another example of Bathurst Regional Council’s continued ability to attract events to our city that make a significant contribution to the local economy.

“The construction of the BMX track will leave a lasting legacy that will be an international class facility that will be utilised by not only the local community and region, but by BMX enthusiasts from across Australia, beyond the 2016 championships.”

Council has called for tenders for the project, which have now closed and they hope to award the tender by late May. Construction will take approximately four months, with a target completion date of November this year.

Council also plans to provide visitors to the city with the opportunity to camp at Mount Panorama during the championships.

The event will be held from Monday February 29, through to Sunday March 6, 2016.

team entriesCLUB TEAMS 1 Terrigal BMX Club 3092 Pine Rivers BMX Club 2883 Jingili BMX Club 280

CORPORATE TEAMS1 PURE Australia 3362 TEAM YESS AUSTRALIA 3243 BMXMAD 2984 TEAM REDLINE AUSTRALIA 2955 LUMBERJACK SSQUARED AUS 2556 PHIREBIRD 219

STATE CHALLENGE TEAMS 1 QLD State Challenge 3212 WA State Challenge 3193 NSW State Challenge 2964 VIC State Challenge 2915 SA State Challenge 2676 NT State Challenge 187

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM1 QLD State Championship 3202 VIC State Championship 2993 NSW State Championship 2884 SA State Championship 2785 WA State Championship 213

FOR A LIST OF FULL RESULTS, PLEASE SEE THE BMXA WEBSITE

®

BMX Australia Limitede: info@bmxaustralia.com.aup: (02) 9008 1300f: (02) 8338 1500a: PO Box 6402, Alexandria, NSW 2015