2021 Mighty 11s and Trans-Tasman Test Team

Mighty 11's Process and Structure Update - June 3

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HISTORY

For the past thirty (30) years, the Mighty 11’s Junior Test Team has been a cultural exchange with New Zealand and Australia. The NZ round of the Trans-Tasman series is held at the BMXNZ North Island Titles and the Australian round held at the New South Wales BMX Pre-State Titles.

The Test Team has consisted of four (4) male and four (4) female riders who have two selections:

• Test Team Qualifiers 1: Open to all rider who are 11 years old on the June 1st of that year (for the Australian round)

• Test Team Qualifiers 2: Open to riders who are 11 years old on the October 20th of that year (for the New Zealand round)

The Australia and New Zealand teams race each other to win the Mighty Eleven Trans-Tasman Trophy.

Additionally, individual 11-year-old riders (both male and female) race in the Mighty Elevens Special Category to establish the overall Mighty Eleven rider.

Mighty 11's in 2021

For the past few months, AusCycling and BMX New Zealand have been having ongoing conversations about the Mighty 11s Test viability for 2021.

While the opening of the travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand was exciting news, the risks of border closures and/or mandatory hotel quarantine remain likely. Therefore, the threat posed by international travel to our riders and team management is simply too high at the moment.

As such, we have reached the difficult decision that the Mighty 11s Trans Tasman Test will not occur in 2021 however, both AusCycling and BMX NZ will select and acknowledge teams who qualify even though they will not be able to race in the Trans Tasman Test.

MIGHTY 11s RACING

The Mighty 11’s Special Class and the Test Team Qualifiers will be delivered in both countries under revised conditions for 2021.

The following information defines the revised situation in each country.

AUSTRALIA POSITION

Two qualifiers will be conducted to identify the Junior Test Team members, these will be held at different times of the year than usual.

Team Qualifier #1 (for the Australian round)

• Event: NSW Pre-State Championships

• Venue: Hawkesbury BMX

• Date: 12/13 June 2021

• Participants: must be 11 years old on June 1st

Team Qualifiers #2 (for the NZ round)

• Event: Mighty 11s Event: AusCycling National Cup Gold Round

• Venue: Westside BMX

• Date: November 24th 2021

• Participants: must be 11 years old on October 20th

Selection Process

Riders enter and compete in their normal 20” race class. The four male and female riders with the fastest single lap time from the motos only, will be announced as members of the team.

Other Requirements:

• Must be an Australian citizen

• Must be AusCycling Race All - Discipline or Off-Road Member

Mighty Elevens Special Category

Furthermore, the Mighty Elevens Special Category will take place to establish the overall Mighty Eleven rider (male and female) will be held at both events for riders who are 11 on the day of the race.

NEW ZEALAND POSITION

New Zealand Team Qualification

• The first New Zealand Trial has been completed at the BMXNZ National Championships in March 2021.
• The second New Zealand trial will be scheduled for October 2021.

Mighty 11s Event

BMXNZ will hold a Mighty 11s Special Class category at the North Island Titles to celebrate the history of the Mighty 11s history. All participants must be 11 years on the day.

Super 11s Test

BMXNZ is looking at the viability of the repeat of the Interisland North vs. South Test. More information will be advised as it becomes available.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If the Australia – New Zealand travel bubble happens will AusCycling or BMX New Zealand send a team?

Despite the continued vaccine rollout and the increasing possibility of a travel bubble, the risk of border closures and mandatory hotel quarantines are too high for 11-year-old riders. As such, we would not be sending a test team to either country in 2021.

Can a rider from any State, Territory or Region be acknowledged in the Trans Tasman Test Team? Yes, they can.

Will selected riders receive any individual assistance to travel to any Mighty 11s events in either nation?

Due to the overall decision to mitigate the associated travel risks. Riders will not be sanctioned or assisted in any travel.

Will selected riders receive any Mighty 11s collateral?

Each nation will have its own delivery regarding gear or program support, more specific information will be advised as it is available. Australia will provide team jerseys to all members.

Will selected riders be named on the Test Team Trophy?

Yes, riders will be named on the Test Team trophy along with the other past BMX greats.

What will happen with the Mighty 11s in 2022?

Given the uncertainty around factors outside our control, it is not possible to provide guarantees however, the intent is to retain and support the Mighty 11s tradition in 2022.