THE DIRTOCTOBER 2014

CAIRNS DEVELOPMENTTRANS TASMAN TEST TEAM

NATIONAL SIGN ON DAY

THE DIRT

THE DIRT

bmxaustralia.com.au

You can be a part of THE DIRT too!

If you have news, event reports, photos or anything else BMX related, send them to the Editor at news@bmxaustralia.com.au

Cover: The new start hill at Cairns BMX Club

IN THIS ISSUE

FROM THE TOP OF THE RAMP

OPERATION: BMXA

CAIRNS 3-YEAR DEAL

TRANS TASMAN TEST TEAM

NATIONAL SIGN ON DAY

THE PRO'SCHOICE

ATHLETE | JYE HOMBSCH | DK BICYCLES FACTORY TEAM

Do you have a great BMX story that needs to be told? Maybe it’s about a hero, or long serving individual around the club?

It could be an inspiring story or a tale of exceptional achievement.

Whatever it is we love hearing from our BMX family, and more than that we like to share your stories with everyone else.

If you think someone’s story deserves to be heard get in touch with us at news@bmx.com.au and it could feature in future editions of ‘The Dirt’ so get writing!!

we want your stories

THE PRO'SCHOICE

ATHLETE | JYE HOMBSCH | DK BICYCLES FACTORY TEAM

A key element to the development of a BMX rider is competing at events, whether at a Club, State, National or International level. As the Events Director I am excited to provide an update on our events strategy. The National Series for 2015 will boast nine rounds of competition, across three states held as double headers. Our goal is to create a Nation-wide competition that would see a double-header leg in each state and territory in the near future. This will be achieve through a top-down and bottom-up approach:

Top-Down: BMX Australia have engaged regional Councils around the country through our expression of interest (EOI) where our Clubs facilities are based. Interested Councils are then engaging with their local Club to identify opportunities to host events

Bottom-Up: We need Clubs to be proactive and check if they meet the BMX Australia track guidelines and approach their local councils about development grants for any developments to host a National events. National events bring tourism dollars into the local community, in particular in regional areas, so by working together we will be able to secure further track and facility developments and events in the future throughout the country. A key example of the Bottom-Up approach is Cairns BMX Club whereby grants were received to upgrade its facilities which have now, with the joint effort with Cairns Regional Council, secured a double header National Series Round for three years. To help increase this participation, an Event Working Group has been formulated to consult, research and make recommendations to the Board of BMX Australia on a revised events calendar taking into consideration State, National, International events and to design an event matrix which protects National and State events within the calendar for inclusion into the BMX Australia Rule Book This analysis process also includes looking at how other countries and continents set up and structure their events calendar. The goal of the Event Working Group is to ensure that our National Events calendar allows for maximum participation for riders at all levels.

From The Top Of The Ramp Inside BMX Australia with director CAMERON MURRAY

ENTRIES NOW OPEN FOR ROUNDS 1-8

WWW.BMXAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

OPERATION: BMXAchallenge reportwith general manager mark louis

Internationally, Australia finishes off the year again as the number 1 ranked nation for both Men and Women. The 2014 season finished in September with the Elite Men’s World Champion (Sam Willoughby), the overall SX World cup Series Champion in women (Caroline Buchanan) and the runner’s up for men (Anthony Dean). We had 4 riders (Sam Willoughby, Anthony Dean, Caroline Buchanan and Melinda McLeod) medalling at UCI SX World Cup / World Championship level and Lauren Reynolds qualifying in a SX World Cup final. Bodi Turner and Rachel Jones have both made the semi-finals at recent SX World cups. Congratulations to all our athletes and to the coaching staff lead by Wade Bootes.

October is an exciting time of the year. The days are longer and warmer and this can only mean one thing - it’s almost the start of a new BMX season!

Here at BMX Australia things are ramping up for another exciting domestic season of BMX. As previously communicated, the BMX Australia National Series has grown, providing more racing over 9 rounds culminating at the National Championships in May and plans are well underway for the 2015 National Championships at the Brisbane SX Track in April / May.

I am excited to advise that the National Championships will continue to be live streamed and that the National Series will now also be live streamed through the same platforms. Our investment in providing our product through a visual platform at no cost to the user is a commitment to the future development of the sport and is vital to the continued promotion of our sport, particularly in the lead up to the RIO Olympics in 2016.

We recently announced that Subaru Australia have renewed their naming rights partnership with the BMX Australia National Championships which is fantastic. Subaru share our family values and our strategies to build our events for the BMX family.

We are also excited to be able to provide an international add-on for the members. This add on is for those members who are competing internationally and includes travel insurance whilst competing. For further information please contact the BMX Australia office.

The new national membership data base and event registration system was rolled out a month ago and is working well for the member states and licensed members. I encourage you to use the system and become familiar with it as we head into the new season. In the back ground we continue to work on enhancements and new developments. These will be added on as we evolve.

OPERATION: BMXAchallenge reportwith general manager mark louis

cairns bmx club 3-year national series winThe city of Cairns it set for significant cash injection after securing a three-year deal to host two rounds of the BMX Australia National Series from 2015-2017, to be held at the impressive Cairns BMX Club.

The club will host rounds seven and eight of the 2015 edition over the Easter long weekend April 4 – 5, and will attract large numbers of domestic riders and their families, complimented by some international competitors as well.

The Cairns BMX club has received extensive infrastructure improvements in an effort to bring its facilities up to a world standard, starting with the rebuilding of the tracks retaining wall and sweeper section several years ago. More recently the club has installed a five-metre start hill and roofing to cover the staging area, finish line and start hill, while plans are in place to upgrade the tracks lighting.

BMX Australia General Manager, Mark Louis, was quick to praise the work the Cairns BMX Club had done in an effort to secure rounds in the National Series, and the positive effect it would have on the sport.

“The club has done a fantastic job bringing its facilities up to standard,” he said.

“We expect the event to attract not only the very best riders from around Australia, but some international riders as well.

“It’s a great thing for both the sport and the community of Cairns.”

The significant infrastructure upgrades required, were made possible thanks to a number of generous grants from the Queensland state government, including the ‘Get Playing’ grant, which helped to secure $120,000 worth of funding, while a further $30,000 was secured from the community gambling fund.

Club president Harald Weber, who has worked tirelessly to help secure the funding, says the grants were awarded as recognition of the immense economic benefit the club can provide.

“The state government has recognised the importance of Cairns to the state economy, and the role the BMX club plays in the city,” Weber said.

“The National Series is expected to provide a huge injection to the local economy of over $1 million, during a traditionally quiet long weekend when all the locals get out of town.

“So it’s bringing in an extra level of tourism, and I expect plenty of people will be rubbing their hands together.”

Cairns Regional Council has also played a key role in securing the three-year agreement as well as providing financial assistance. Mayor Bob Manning said Council was committed to growing sports tourism opportunities in the Cairns region.

cairns bmx club 3-year national series win

“Council recognises the benefits of a strong sports tourism industry, both in financial terms and in community wellbeing,” Cr Manning said.

“The opportunity for locals to see first hand the top competitors in action can result in a flow-on into the sport locally, as more residents take an interest in BMX.

“We look forward to working with BMX Australia, the Queensland Government and Cairns BMX Club to make the upcoming events a success.”

Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Alex de Waal echoed this sentiment, and highlighted how the BMX Australia National Series would add to Tropical North Queensland’s growing list of sporting events.

“Tropical North Queensland is becoming a biking mecca for enthusiasts who enjoy participating in their sport while exploring our natural environment,” he said.

“Our climate is ideal for outdoor activities such as BMX and we have extensive tourism infrastructure to support the hosting of national events.”

BUCHANAN Crowned World Cup Series Champion, Dean Secures SecondCaroline Buchanan capped off her stunning season in style, by becoming the 2014 UCI BMX Supercross World Cup series champion in Chula Vista, USA.

It has been a season to remember for the 23-year old after winning both the Subaru BMX Australia National Championships and the BMX Australia National series in April, before coming second in the UCI World Championship Time Trial in July.

Buchanan entered the fifth and final world cup event of the season in Chula Vista with a substantial margin over her rivals, having already won two world cup events in Manchester and then Berlin.

However refusing to rest on her laurels, she approached the final event with the kind of competitive hunger that has been central to her growing list of achievements.

“I think starting the season with a win in Manchester my goal was to win the series overall,” Buchanan said.

“Basically every stop I was aiming to keep my consistency going, and to get on the box every time.

“I started the year on a high and I wanted to finish the year on a high.”

And finish the year on a high she did, because while she finished second to reigning world champion and fierce rival Marion Pajon to lose the battle, she won the war by securing the title by 125 points over Pajon.

A points re-scheduling has also made this year’s world cup series harder to win, and according to Buchanan more rewarding than her 2012 title.

“It’s the nicest way to walk out of this with the overall and to get on the podium, I’m all smiles until next year,” Buchanan said.

“The overall world cup title is a hard one to get, and it was a lot more challenging that when I last won in it in 2012.

“The time trial used to count back then, but now it’s all the racing, wire to wire and fighting for those podium spots.”

BUCHANAN Crowned World Cup Series Champion, Dean Secures Second

In the Mens, Australian series success rested with Anthony Dean, who went into the final event of the series needing to make the final to put pressure on series leader Liam Phillips of Great Britain.

Dean was gallant in the semi-finals pushing hard for the fourth and final spot in the final before unfortunately crashing out, and with it any chance of winning the world cup series.

“After crashing out in the semi-final it was very disappointing for me, Dean said.

“I made a mistake through the rhythm section and it cost me big time.

“Two weeks since the crash and I’m still quite sore and banged up, I cracked two teeth and have since had them removed and awaiting stitches to be taken out and replacement teeth to be put in.

“I have a few small minor injuries like my knee, shoulder and wrist but over time I’ll be ok.”

However in such a challenging and competitive series, second and his first series podium was a just reward for what has been a successful season for the South Australian.

“Placing number two in the series is a big step in the right direction for me,” he said.

“It was a major goal for me this year to be consistent at the world cups and I’m glad I achieved that.”

Not content with second however, Dean has set his sights on the top of the podium, and is focusing on growing and developing as a rider.

“My goals moving forward are now world cup wins,” he said.

“In 2014 my major goals were to be consistent and be a podium rider, but my eyes are now set on standing on top of the podium.

“I have the ABA Grand Nationals coming up at the end of November so my focus is now directed towards being healthy there and putting on a good showing for my sponsors.”

Reigning world champion Sam Willoughby showed why he his ranked as the best in the world, after he produced a flawless performance to take the win on the Olympic standard track in Chula Vista, and make it two world cup victories from two appearances in 2014.

national sign on dayWHAT IS NATIONAL SIGN ON DAY?The BMX Australia National Sign On Day provides the chance for anyone in the community to come and try the thrill and excitment of BMX racing, free of charge. It’s a fun and exciting day for all participants. The day will include BMX riding, coaching and games. All participants are covered under the BMX Australia riders insurance (if an assumption of risk signature form is signed per rider/guardian). You can become a member of BMX Australia on the day and to view membership details visit the BMX Australia website.

WHAT IS BMX?BMX (Bicycle Moto Cross) is one of the fastest growing sports in Australia. It is one of the only sports where total family participation can take place. Riders of all ages (from 2 year olds to 50+) can compete in organised race meetings throughout Australia. One of the best aspects of BMX is the sport does not discriminate between boys, girls, mums and dads. BMX is not only a sport for boys, girls can race as well and enjoy competition in their own age groups with other girls. The sport of BMX racing ranges from Club level right through to State, National and World Championship level for all ages. Any rider has the chance to ride at National Championships and compete in a World Championships. With the availability of all ages being catered for within one sporting meeting, it enables all participating riders from one family to be able to race and practice together.

WHAT IS THE APPEAL OF BMX?BMX is a fast and fun action sport with jumps and turns on a track which can be 300 to 400 metres in length. When riders become experienced in BMX they can launch down a fast start ramp, over jumps and fly around berms. The sport is fast and exciting and is great exercise for kids and adults.

WHERE CAN I FIND MY LOCAL TRACK?Events will take place over the following weekends:7th - 8th February 201514th - 15th February 201521st - 22nd February 2015April-May 2014 (NT only)

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE NATIONAL SIGN ON DAY?When you first arrive, you will meet the National Sign On Day organisers who will let you know in detail what will happen during the day. The organisers will also do a bike safety check on arrival. Demonstrations may be available to watch at your chosen Sign On Day location. You will participate in various activities.

national sign on day

These activities may include: basic warm up activities, games that take place on the track, learning about BMX racing, basic BMX technique activities, learn how to go over jumps, around corners and down the start hill and participate in a Mini BMX race.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE NATIONAL SIGN ON DAY?BMX is a family orientated sport and a sport for all ages and skill levels. Anyone from the age of 2 years old up to 60+, male or female. All participants under the age of 18 are required to be supervised by an adult.

WHAT DO INEED TO BRING? All those who wish to participate in the National Sign On Day will need to wear the following:long sleeve top, long pants, gloves, socks, shoes and full face helmetYou will also need to bring along your bike.

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE A BIKE OR HELMET?If you do not have a bike or helmet, please contact the club you are attending as they may have one you can borrow.

BMX AUSTRALIA INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE BMX Australia is pleased offer its members an ‘international add on’ component to their existing membership for international event travel which includes sports injury and travel insurance coverage at race meetings outside of Australia. The insurance component includes, among other things, members of BMX Australia travelling internationally where a journey begins and ends in Australia up to a maximum of 180 Days (6 months). This policy also includes training, competition BMX and any associated holiday travel or overseas leisure. This additional benefit is available now through the BMX Australia office. To be eligible for this benefit the following must apply;• Trip must start and end in Australia• BMX Australia must approve the purpose of travel (i.e training camp or event you are participating in overseas)• Applicants must be Australian residents and have access to claim Australian Medicare• Be a current BMX Australia member / UCI licence holder at time of travel

All countries

(except USA/ Nth America) USA / Nth America14 Days $ 150.00 $ 300.001 Month $ 250.00 $ 400.002 Months $ 350.00 $ 500.003 Months $ 450.00 $ 600.00

Any rider requiring insurance for more than 3 months, please contact BMXA.

Further details of the insurance cover, including application forms, can be found on the BMXA website.

SUBARU PARTNERS WITHBMX AUSTRALIA

BMX Australia is pleased to announce the renewal of its naming rights partnership with Subaru Australia for the 2015 BMX National championships.

Subaru Australia has been a partner of the BMX Australia National Championships since 2012 and has provided fantastic support to BMX Australia in the development of the sport, to the National Championships itself.

General Manager of BMX Australia, Mark Louis, reinforced the importance of renewing such a healthy partnership.

“We are extremely excited to continue our partnership with Subaru,” he said.

“They are a fantastic organisation and share our passion for grassroots sport.”

Mr Louis was also quick to touch on the practical benefits the partnership would produce.

“The partnership with Subaru assists in the further development of our sport by live streaming the event,” he said.

“Last year the event was streamed into 23 countries, recording 70,000 total live views.

“This will be further expanded in 2015 covering four full days (Thursday – Sunday) as well as a post produced broadcast on Fox Sports.”

Subaru Australia, General Manager Marketing, Andrew Caie said Subaru’s continued involvement with BMX Australia was an integral part of the company’s commitment to grassroots cycling in Australia.

“We support the association’s development and promotion of the sport of BMX within Australia,” he said.

“The aim of our involvement is also to assist in creating and building events for cyclists, both on and off road, benefitting participants at all levels - from children to families and potential elite competitors of the future.”

Subaru’s All 4 the Driver customer promise takes on a two-wheel appeal too, bringing important focus on safety - and fun - for cyclists. To find out more about Subaru’s nationwide commitment to cycling, keep up-to-date on all the news at www.subaru.com.au/active

The 2015 Subaru National BMX Championships is expected to attract in excess of 3,000 entries plus their families, and will boost the local economy by an estimated $10.85 million. The six-day event will be held at the Brisbane Supercross Track at Sleeman Sports Centre, Brisbane from April 28 to May 3 2015.

AUSTRALIAThe Trans Tasman Test team will fly out on Tuesday to take on fierce rivals New Zealand in the first of two events to determine who will become this year’s champions.

Racing will take place at the North Island Titles next weekend held over seven races; four on Saturday and three on Sunday, with the winners determined by points accumulated. The racing will then return to Australia for the second leg to be held during the National Series in Nerang.

The series has traditionally featured some very tough racing, and this year Australia will go over hungrier than ever to knock off the old foe, who are the current defending champion in both the girls and boys division.

The Australian team features eight members, made up of two girls and two boys in each of the 14 and 15 age groups, who have been selected based on the overall standings in the Champbix National Series.

Andy Mellish, Vice President of BMX Australia and team manager of the Trans-Tasman team spoke of the importance of this initiative in the development of Australia’s young up and coming riders.

“It’s a development program for our young riders,” he said.

“And provides a stepping stone towards potentially becoming academy riders.”

BMX Australia has been involved in the initiative since 2010, and assists the riders in covering a percentage of the costs, as well as providing uniforms and race plates.

Mellish also points out that whilst the team is gaining invaluable experience on the track, the initiative also helps provide them with valuable life lessons off it.

“For quite a few of them it’s their first time away on their own, so it’s treated with quite a lot of responsibility,” he said.

“They put their own bikes together, they cook and clean, it’s a whole living experience of BMX, combined with plenty of coaching and motivation.

“It’s our job to make sure they’re safe, because it can be very hard for the parents to let their kids go.”

It won’t be all racing however, as the riders will get to unwind on Monday with some jet boating, luge and plenty of New Zealand culture before flying back to Australia.

The Dirt wishes a massive good luck to those competing:15 Boys: Josh Boyton (Centenary Plains) and Jake Bowe (Cairns)15 Girls: Sara Jones (Caboolture) and Dion Bromley (Moranbah)14 Boys: Jack Terry (Maryborough) and Izaac Kennedy (Logan City)14 Girls: Iesha Anderson (Geelong) and Millie Reed (Knox)

A very big good luck must also go to the NSW Mighty 11’s, who will also be competing at the North Island titles, against the New Zealand Mighty 11’s. The team is comprised of four boys and four girls aged eleven.

TRANS TASMAN TEST TEAM

AUSTRALIA

a ride around the country A mixture of world and national champions descended on the Macarthur BMX club recently for the 2014 NSW State Championships. The weekend was a great success thanks to fantastic weather and flawless organisation by both Macarthur BMX Club and BMXNSW.

Ben Hidalgo took the 17+ Pro Men win on Sunday for the championship after crowd favourite Luke Madill and Blake Moore came together coming out of the second turn, with Blake coming off second best. Queensland’s Chelsea King took the championship win from NSW’s Rachel Jones, who unfortunately was still very sore and badly bruised from her crash in Chula Vista, USA the week before.

Impressive results came from Ashlee Miller (13 Girls) from Castle Hill Club and Taya Pace (10 Girls) from Macarthur Club who took out both the 20” and Cruiser #1 Plates, while Steve Upton from Lake Macquarie Club also achieved the feat winning both the 20” and Cruiser classes in the 50+ men division.

The Interclub Trophy, awarded to the highest point scoring club went to Lake Macquarie, while the club team win went to Terrigal and the corporate team went to Kustomz.

The Inaugural Awards Dinner Presentation held on the Saturday night during the event was also well received, with three of the original life members in attendance to recall events from the 80’s and 90’s.

There were several award winners on the night that were nominated by each of the clubs, incredibly all three recipients are members of the Castle Hill BMX Club.

Coach of the Year - David Di Palma Official of the Year - Grant GillVolunteer of the Year - Michael Carruthers

A three -month survey also gave a chance for members to vote for their favourite riders in the lead up the night, with the winners as follows:

Junior Female - Taya Pace (Macarthur Club)Junior Male - Aston Wypych-Coles (Castle Hill)Senior Female - Saya Sakakibara (Southlake)Senior Male - Alex Cameron (Liverpool)

Awards were also presented honouring consecutive years of competing at the State Championships, with the following recipients receiving the celebrated award. 10 Years- Justin Beattie, Curtis Winton, Tom Dallinger15 Years - Ben Meir, Caitlin Willmott25 Years - Billy Jolliffe, Terry Crossland, Steve Upton

A reminder that all of the finals from both Saturday and Sunday are available on Mick Carruthers Youtube page, whereas photos can be found on Facebook via BMX Photography by Jody and Jack Mavin Industries.

NSW

Some of the best riders in the country descended upon the Brisbane SX Track recently for the Queensland BMX State Titles. This year’s event proved to be one of the very best, with well over one thousand entries across all classes testament to the depth of talent on offer.

The action began on Friday with the Challenge Class, Sprockets and Mini Wheelers with an incredible 629 riders in action. The Mini Wheelers had the chance to shred up the 3rd and 4th straights with nothing but smiles to be seen, and showcased plenty of future champions eager to get on the pedals in the coming years.

The 154 sprocket entrants demonstrated great skills to negotiate the Brisbane SX track. Among them were world plate holders – W1 Bailey Mills (Bayside BMX Club), W8 Ewan Oliver (Ashmore BMX Club) and W2 Portia Eden (Cairns BMX Club).

In the Challenge class W1 Thomas Tucker (Pine Rivers) took out the title over close rival, defending champion and W2 Callum Howarth (Ashmore) in the extremely competitive 9 years boys.

Other notable results included Tyson Kenny (Nerang) who retained his 1Q plate in the 10 boys, while reigning Q1 and A6 Annelece Mengel (Sunshine Coast) took out the title over W8 Regina McGee (Cairns BMX Club) in a thrilling 10-year girl’s race. W3 Jesse Asmus won the 11 boys, while W7 Des’Ree Barnes took out the 12 girls class.

The older generation got into the action as well with a fiercely fought 40-44 Men class taken out by Ian MacLachlan over his club-mate Bradley Butler from Beenleigh BMX Club. In the 50+ class Craig Hall (Harbour City) took first over Vernon Dries (Proserpine) in second and Narelle Falkenhagen (Centenary Plains) in third.

Saturday action featured the Championship classes, which proved to be a family affair with Redlands BMX Club rider Luke Hombsch taking out the elite men’s title, while younger brother Jye took out the 16 boys title.

The elite men’s final provided some thrilling racing with Luke Hombsch finishing strongly ahead of New Zealander, Michael Bias in second. Bradley Game from Western Australia took 3rd ahead of local hero Dirk Winter, while Matthew Willoughby from South Australia came in sixth.

The Junior Elite Men’s final was also hotly contested, with the number one spot going to Jayce Cunning (Suncoast Hinterland), with Liam Hilliam (Pine Rivers) in second and Hayden Jones (Caboolture) in third.

The Elite Women’s title went to Erin Rook (Rockhampton), while in the junior elite that saw Australian number 1 Jade Parker out through injury, the title was appropriately won by club mate from Caboolture Sarah Hudson.

Aislynn Weber (Cairns) was the only rider from outside South Queensland to take home a 1Q plate, having put in a dominant performance in the 16 girls class.

Trent Skinner from the Ashmore BMX Club caused one of the upsets of the day beating W6 and A1 Josh Boyton (Centenary Plains) who finished in fifth place. While in the 13 girls class W3 Molly McGill (Ashmore) took first place over W5 Lorsyn Affoo (Pine Rivers).

Sunday was Cruiser day and it provided riders the chance to put the icing on the cake in the search for a second top eight plate on the bigger wheeled machines.

Congratulations to the following riders all achieved the double by adding a 1Q on their cruiser to their 1Q on their 20-inch bike.

Thomas Tucker (Pine Rivers), Annelece Mengel (Sunshine Coast), Shannon Petre (Atherton), Tanya Thiele (Bunderberg), Alison Mackrill (Townsville) and Letitia Weatherhead (Bayside).

While April Seiler (Rockhampton), Josh Hanly (Nerang) and Steve Ewart (Caboolture) all managed to repeat their success from 2013 and retain their Q1 cruiser plate in 2014.

QLD

®

BMX Australia e: info@bmxaustralia.com.aup: (02) 9008 1300f: (02) 8338 1500a: PO Box 6402, Alexandria, NSW 2015