Adelaide, Australia attracts world class BMX

Feb 20, 2009

Written by Bart de Jong

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World bronze medallist, Sifiso Nhlapo from South Africa, Anders Gronsund from Norway and Alex Hunter from Hong Kong will lead the international charge at the Hog's Breath Café National Probikx and Champbikx Round Four at The Cove BMX track in Adelaide this Saturday morning.
The elite men's field hosts some strong local talent including Brian Kirkham, Michael Fenwick and Luke Londema. Kirkham current leads the national series and is on equal first place with Beijing Olympian, Jared Graves. Graves is not expected to attend this round as he prepares for the World Cup circuit in four cross, the mountain bike equivalent to BMX racing.

The World Junior Champion, Sam Willoughby, will also be notable by his absence but his brother Matthew is expected to mount a strong challenge against the international riders. Sam is currently in the United States and will race some of the American series in an attempt to secure himself more international points.

The current elite women's leader, Caroline Buchanan from Canberra, will head the charge but a return from injury could see her challenged by Victoria's Ziggy Callan.

A closely fought out junior women's division will see the world bronze medallist, Rachel Bracken from Townsville, Qld try to keep her lead over world silver medallist, Lauren Reynolds from Bunbury, WA. However South Australian, Talia Smith from Cross Keys club will be out to show some strong form in front of her home crowd.

The junior men's field will be the most unpredictable with the locals in top form, Anthony Dean and Justin Braybon. However they will be up against strong Victorian pair, Joshua Callan and Michael Chasteauneuf.

The national round will have action paced racing this Saturday between 10 am and 12 noon with 14 Champbikx up to elite Probikx.

The state BMX Championships will follow the national round with racing on Saturday afternoon and on Sunday. Matthew Willoughby will also defend his state title on Sunday.