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Shepparton delivers a BMX National Championships to remember
Nov 8, 2023
Australian BMX Racing athletes and fans have been treated to a memorable week-long celebration at Australia’s premier BMX event, the AusCycling BMX Racing National Championships.
Almost 1200 riders battled it out at Shepparton, competing for more than 140 national series and championship titles over four days of national competition, including all 20-inch, Cruiser, Para, and Superclass categories.
Riders and spectators took full advantage of the world-class venue, complemented by brilliant weather and quality event organisation. Take a look back at some of the highlights from four days of BMXNats23.
The women’s competition
Bella May (Frankston BMX) had arguably had the best week among the top riders, winning the National Series and the Superclass championship, and taking silver in the Women Junior category.
May’s battle with Sienna Pal (Terrigal BMX) and Teya Rufus (Maryborough BMX) lived up to expectations, and there is every reason to believe the trio will carry Aussie hopes on the international stage as they move into the Under 23 category and beyond over the coming years.
Fans also witnessed Saya Sakakibara (Southlake-Illawarra) create history by winning her third straight Women Elite championship. An all-round class act, Sakakibara spent hours signing autographs and taking photos with excited young riders (and sometimes parents). We shouldn’t forget how lucky we are to have such a great role model in the World Number 2.
Other female riders also had a week to remember. Isla Basa (Macarthur BMX) won both the National Series and National Championship in the Junior Superclass category, a feat replicated by Amelie Reid in the 12 Girls.
Dusty Schroeder (Toowoomba BMX) claimed both the 11 Girls and Cruiser 11-12 Girls National Championships, while Stephanie Alexander (Knox BMX) won the National Series and National Championship in the 14 Girls, before adding a silver in the Junior Superclass National Championship.
However, Jaclyn Wilson (Bendigo BMX) had one the finest weeks of all riders at BMXNats23, winning the Masters Women on Thursday, the 45-49 Women on Friday, and the Vet Pro women on Saturday.
The men’s competition
Matthew White (Bendigo BMX) and Luke Pretlove (Warrnambool BMX) completed their own triple-crowns in Shepparton, winning the National Series, National Championship, and National Cruiser Championship in the 25-29 and 40-44 age categories respectively.
Australia is also blessed with considerable depth among the 15 and 16 Boys. AJ Donald (Hawkesbury Hornets BMX) claimed the Junior Superclass National Series crown, but names like Declan McGhee (Mandurah BMX), Preston Murray (The Cove BMX), Nate Argent (Centenary Plains BMX) and Bailey Seckold (Ashmore BMX) all raced extremely well.
Perhaps the standout rider from this age range however was Cameron Gatt (Geelong BMX), who won the 15 Boys National Series and National Championship, the Cruiser 15-16 Boys National Championship, the Junior Superclass National Championship, and was runner up in the Junior Superclass National Series.
Jayden Bradbrook (Cross Keys BMX) and Khalen Young (Southern Districts BMX) respectively claimed the National Series and National Championship titles in 11 Boys and Vet Pro Men categories.
Bodi Turner (Eastfield BMX) continues to enjoy a resurgence in the latter stages of his career.
After winning Round 5 of the National Series on Wednesday, the 29-year-old delivered again on Thursday, going back-to-back in the Elite Men category and laying the foundation for another assault on the international stage in 2024.
The Elite Men final also foreshadowed what was to come on Saturday. Jack Davis (Tamworth City BMX) pushed Turner all the way on Thursday to claim silver, but went one better in the Superclass final two days later, riding a fantastic final to be the clear winner.
Max Cairns (Park Orchards), Matt Krasevskis (Pine Rivers), and Matt Tidswell (The Cove BMX) are among a group of riders unlucky to have not come away with more to show for the National Championship.
They all rode exceptionally well throughout their preliminary motos during the week, only to be denied on different occasions by a huge pile-up in the Elite Men final, or an exceptional ride by their opponent in the Superclass.
Off the Track
Shepparton BMX Club must be commended for their resilience and persistence in restoring the Shepparton BMX Track over the last 12 months, as should the Greater Shepparton City Council, who assisted in the track redevelopment.
The venue is truly at an international standard and looked stunning, and combined with the Council’s promotion of the event in the lead up to BMXNats23, the stage was set for a big week of BMX racing.
At the opening ceremony on Thursday, Victorian John Grigg was recognised with a service award in recognition of his dedication to BMX Racing that stretches back to 1982.
Two-time national champion Corey Frieswyk (Suncoast Hinterland BMX) also had the opportunity to address the crowd on Saturday following his decision to retire from Elite racing.
The 2024 UCI BMX Racing World Cup, Brisbane
BMX fans are now encouraged to get their tickets for the Brisbane rounds of the 2024 UCI BMX Racing World Cup, to be held at Brisbane SX from February 24-25.
Tickets are available via the BMX World Cup Brisbane website, and are a perfect opportunity to cap off a week-long festival of BMX racing following the Oceania Championships, AusCycling National Series, and Queensland State Series earlier in the week.
Grandstand tickets have already sold out, and only a limited number of weekend passes remain. AusCycling member and early bird discounts are still available, with adult and child general admission tickets just $20 and $10 respectively for AusCycling members.
2023 AusCycling BMX Racing National Championships
- Location: Shepparton, Victoria
- Dates: 30 October - 5 November 2023
- More information: 2023 AusCycling BMX Racing National Championships
Follow @AusCycling
The 2023 AusCycling BMX Racing National Championships are proudly supported by the Greater Shepparton City Council and Visit Victoria.
Photos: Get Snapt
- Written by
- AusCycling
- Disciplines
- BMX Racing
- Athletes
- Saya Sakakibara