Trans-Tasman racing is back as the Mighty 11s roar into action

Three years since they last went head-to-head, the longstanding rivalry between Australia and New Zealand resumed with the first leg of the Mighty 11s Test Team and Mighty 11s Memorial Class in Brisbane last weekend.

Eight of the best 11-year-olds from each trans-Tasman nation faced off at Sleeman BMX Supercross Track during the Oceania BMX Racing Championships and AusCycling BMX National Round 3 on Friday and Saturday.

Before racing began, the teams were presented on the track with the opening ceremony, national anthems and a performance of the haka.

Representing Australia for the boys was Harvey Brooks (Knox BMX Club), Harry Rowlands (Castle Hill BMX Club), Charlie Daff (The Cove BMX Club), and Eli Schroeder (Blue Mountains BMX Club). Harley Bradshaw (Sydney BMX Club) was reserve.

Spearheaded by Rowlands, the boys' Test Team bested the Kiwis in a fantastic contest, with Rowlands taking out the Brett Scruse Award awarded to the highest point scorer on the team.

• Full results: Mighty 11s Test Team Boys

Australia's boys were triumphant in the first Mighty 11s Test Team of 2022. (Photo: Get Snapt)

Flying the flag for the Australian girls' team were Maya Ellis (Frankston BMX Club), Penni Allen (Redlands BMX Club), Jacqueline Waters (Knox BMX Club) and Mackenzie Butterfield (Southlake Illawarra BMX Club). Standing in as reserve was Isabella Blackwell (Happy Valley BMX Club).

It was a hard-fought battle, but the Kiwi girls were too strong despite a strong showing from Ellis, who was the highest point scorer across the board.

• Full results: Mighty 11s Test Team Girls

New Zealand took home the trophy in the opening Mighty 11s Test Team event for girls. (Photo: Get Snapt)

Maya Ellis and Harry Rowlands with their top point scorer trophies. (Photo: Get Snapt)

The second Mighty 11s event of the weekend was the Memorial Class, where all 11-year-old boys and girls race together to determine the overall Mighty 11 rider.

Riley Smart of North Canterbury BMX Club, New Zealand, was consistent throughout the five motos and both finals, saving his fastest time for the final and taking out the first Memorial Class event for the year. Harry Rowlands of Castle Hill BMX Club placed second and Harvey Brooks of Knox BMX Club rounded out the podium.

The Mighty 11s Memorial Class Podium. (Photo: Get Snapt)

Amelie Reid of Mandurah BMX Club, Maya Ellis from Frankston BMX Club, Beth Walker from New Zealand and Holly Nilsson of New Zealand were the highest placing girls in the mixed class.

The next Mighty 11s Test Team and Memorial Class will occur during the 2022 BMX NZ North Island Titles in October, with qualification for Aussies taking place at the next National Round in Alice Springs.

• Full results: Mighty 11s Memorial Class

More information on the Mighty 11s can be found here.

Replay

Missed the action over the weekend? watch the Mighty 11s on the AusCycling YouTube channel.