City to host major BMX event
Toowoomba BMX Club will be in the state spotlight next year after gaining hosting rights for a major Queensland event.
The annual City-Country Championships will be run at the club’s Moran St complex on a date to be confirmed.
The championships are in their third year after being run previously in Brisbane and Ipswich and are expected to attract between 400 and 600 competitors across all age divisions to the city.
Toowoomba club spokesman David Budden said the championships had been created as a bridging event for emerging riders.
“It’s only been introduced recently but it’s quite a good concept,” Budden said.
“It gives kids in particular the chance to experience higher level competition on their way up the ladder before they face the added pressure of state and national championship competition.
“It’s an ideal stepping stone for country riders, hopefully on their way to compete in the city.
“A date hasn’t been set for next year’s event but I suspect it will be around mid-year.
“It’s great to see Toowoomba being recognised in this way.”
A number of Toowoomba riders meanwhile turned in strong performances at this year’s state titles at Brisbane’s Sleeman Sports Complex.
Luke Driver and Sean McCarthy were both 35-39 years’ finalists.
Driver finished runner-up in cruiser class and fifth on the 20-inch bike.
McCarthy finished eighth in his final run-off.
Carissa Osborne also earned a championship podium finish with her third placing in the women’s 17-24 years’ division.
Sheridan Flint claimed third in 16-years’ girls after captaining the city team which won the 2018 City-Country trophy.
Bart Steffen finished sixth in the 13-years’ boy’s final.
“Most of our juniors made semis or quarter-finals through the course of the week and it was great to see Luke, Carrisa and Sheridan perform so strongly,” Budden said.