National Series a launching pad to take on the world for SA’s Joel Marsh

National BMX Racing returns this weekend with Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2024 AusCycling BMX Racing National Series taking place at the Sam Willoughby International BMX Facility in Adelaide.

The venue last held a national level event in 2022, when severe wet-weather conditions required race organisers to call an early halt to proceedings on the opening day of racing at the newly opened venue.

The return of BMX racing to the SA capital will be especially welcome for Adelaide-based riders who regularly train and compete at the world class venue, with the track now playing host to two clubs – Happy Valley BMX and The Cove BMX.

One of those riders looking to make the most of their home ground advantage will be Joel Marsh of Happy Valley BMX Club.

After an injury-interrupted 2023, Marsh has experienced a purple patch of form over the last six months, culminating in his selection to the ARA Australian Cycling Team as an Under 23 rider for the upcoming UCI World Championship in Rock Hill, in May.

“It means quite a lot because I didn't get selected last year,” Marsh told AusCycling of his selection for Rock Hill.

“(2023) was a bit of a tough year, so I wasn't really too sure how I would go coming into the international circuit at the start of the year. I had another crash (at the World Cup) in New Zealand, so I couldn't compete there. And then I rode pretty well in Brisbane and got a fifth and a sixth, and I think that's pretty much secured my spot on to the World’s team.”

Marsh downplays how tough 2023 had been. After injuring his ankle at the gym, the 20-year-old was diagnosed with synovitis, or excessive fluid in the ankle joint. With the injury showing little sign of healing, a frustrated Marsh returned to the track too early, saying he “tried to push through it, hoping it would still get better. And that just caused more issues”.

Through patience, physiotherapy sessions, and doctors’ appointments, Marsh finally returned to top level racing late last year, making his Under 23 World Cup debut in Round 7 at Santiago Del Estero, Argentina, with a fourth-place result a welcome surprise.

Despite crashing out the following day and missing the final two World Cup rounds of 2023, more success followed at last year’s National Championships, with Marsh winning his third national title in a row and restoring much-needed confidence.

“I think (the National Championship) really kick started the start of this year, because winning that gave me a bit of confidence leading into the World Cups at the start of the year, which is always good.”

A fifth and sixth at the Brisbane rounds of the World Cup followed, and combined with the fourth place in Argentina, Marsh believes his first podium at the top level is not far away, although he also admits there are areas to improve in his riding.

“I feel like I'm able to put myself in the final pretty consistently. It's just those couple of things I need to improve on, and capitalise on a couple of those mistakes and score myself a spot on the podium.

“I feel like you can always really improve everywhere around the track. You’re never really perfect. So, I think just putting in a few extra hours on those gate starts and doing a few more track efforts just to get as fast as possible.”

Marsh credits his uptick in performance to the track and sprint work he’s been doing remotely with Sam Willoughby, along with Luke Knappstein at the South Australian Sports Institute who has been assisting with the gym work.

With the National Series in Adelaide the last major domestic competition before the UCI World Cup and World Championship in the USA, Marsh now hopes to continue on his strong form to start the year, adding that the technical nature of the venue should give local riders a home ground advantage.

“I'd say the track is very technical. There's not really anything like it I would say in Australia. There's lots of technical lines around the track, and it's a pretty big track as well, like a big supercross track.”

“I think because it's so technical, it really gives you a bit of an advantage being able to ride there as much as possible,” he says, adding that he trains at the venue two to three times a week.

Away from the track, Marsh enjoys golfing with mates and spending time on the Murray River at his Grandparents property in Bowhill, but as he says, “it’s always got to work around the training, because that's the most important thing.”

As the comment suggests, Marsh harbours a desire to prove himself on the biggest stages.

“I'd say the big dream always is to go to the Olympics.

“My goal with my career is to get over to the US in the next few years and start racing on the USA Pro circuit, (and) while I'm doing that, still follow the UCI scene around … But the Olympics would be the main goal.”

Rounds 2 and 3 of the National Series will be held on April 13-14 at the Sam Willoughby International BMX Facility in O’Halloran Hill, Adelaide.

The event also marks the 1st Test of the Mighty 11s Test Series between Australia and New Zealand, with Australia’s top under 11 riders taking on their Kiwi counterparts for Mighty 11s glory.

Under 11 riders are also eligible to compete in the Mighty 11s Memorial Class, open to all riders in a winner-takes-all format.

Fast Facts:

• Riders entered: 473
• Race entries: 587
• Clubs competing: 72
• Largest club entries: 51 (The Cove BMX)

Event details:

• AusCycling BMX Racing National Series, Rounds 2 and 3
• Dates: April 13-14, 2024
• Location: Sam Willoughby International BMX Facility, 4 Majors Rd, O'Halloran Hill SA 5158
• Event info:AusCycling BMX Racing National Series, Rounds 2 & 3

SBS On Demand Round 2 Live Stream

SBS On Demand Round 3 Live Stream

Photos: Get Snapt