Seventh heaven in BMX

Seven first places – including three at elite level – were highlights for the Cambridge BMX club at the national championships in Tauranga.

The event attracted almost 600 riders aged from eight to over 50 competing for a national ranking.

Cambridge BMX had a team of 20 riders representing and came away with seven wins and three second place rankings, confirming its standing as ne of the top performing clubs in the country.

Jack Greenough, junior men, Leila Walker, junior women and Rico D’Anvers who beat clubmate Bennett Greenough to the Under-23 title, scored the top-ranked successes as Cambridge won three of five elite classes at the event.

Other successes were recorded by Holly Nilsson, 12 Girls; Beth Walker, 13 Girls; Lily Greenough, 16 Girls and Luke Brooke- Smith, 15 Boys. There were second places for  Brock Nelson,15-16 Cruiser Male and Tim Fergusson, 40-44 Male.

Club spokesperson Sharon Greenhough said the club continues to grow through learn-to-ride programmes starting from pre-school age and club nights for all ages and there were a number of riders at their first national champs.

“This involved a qualification process of racing four qualifying race meets throughout the previous year.

“The top club riders have been racing and training at the Lamb St track since they were little and now represent New Zealand internationally, racing at UCI World Cups, United States BMX races and the World Champs.”

The Cambridge riders will be training under lights at the track in preparation for the next major meet, the Oceania Champs in Rotorua on April 16.

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