Young BMX riders beat best in New Zealand
FOUR young BMX bikers from Central Otago excelled in the recent national finals.
Holly Oldham (15) and Tami Riwhi (8), both from Alexandra, and Ben James (12) and Charlie Leyser (8), both of Cromwell, all won races at the 2018 BMX New Zealand National Championships in New Plymouth over Easter.
All four were excited to have beaten New Zealand’s best riders in their age groups.
‘‘It feels like there’s nothing else around you,’’ Ben said, describing the race.
‘‘It’s like you’re in your own world against eight people.’’
‘‘It’s like you’re in your own mindset,’’ Holly said.
‘‘You get to battle,’’ Tami said.
Holly and Charlie won national titles last year, Tami won a title two years ago but the win at Easter was Ben’s first, even though he had been riding the longest of the four.
Ben had been riding for seven years, Holly for five, Tami for four and Charlie for two.
The next step was to keep working hard, they said.
‘‘I’ll try to go to the Olympics,’’ Tami said.
Holly said she was inspired by New Zealand Olympian Sarah Walker.
‘‘It got me interested in it, I gave it a go and I really enjoyed it.’’
Holly’s mother, Carole Gillions, said people aged from about 3 to 70 could compete in the BMX championships. Nineteen from Central Otago travelled to New Plymouth to compete this year, she said.
‘‘For a small region, it’s great. They’ve battled above and beyond . . . . ’’
The Alexandra BMX Club was founded in 2006 but the Cromwell club only became affiliated last year.
Ms Gillions said the success could be put down to the local biking community’s commitment to the sport.
‘‘ We’re used to driving our kids and travelling places . . . there’s a really strong work ethic in the families and we have two fantastic facilities within 20 minutes of each other [in Alexandra and Cromwell].’’