Northland's one wheeled world champions

Dargaville has a new world champion - and a reigning world champ from Kaikohe has retained his crown for another two years.

Northland's latest sporting triumphs come not from the Olympics in London, but Unicon 2012 in Italy where 21-year-old Chris Huriwai confirmed his standing as the world's best street unicyclist.

He was joined on the podium by Sam LaHood of Dargaville, who won the women's world street unicycling title despite only just turning 16. Samuel Tzikoucos, 13, of Kaikohe finished third in the junior street unicycling division.

The results have yet to be officially confirmed - the organisers could not be contacted yesterday and had yet to publish the results - but come from family members in Italy.

Unicon 2012 is being held in the northern city of Brixen, where more than 1500 riders from 35 countries are contesting unicycle events ranging from freestyle and high jump to cross-country and a 100km endurance race.

The Northland contingent's speciality is the street division, which involves skateboard-like tricks such as spins, flips and jumps.

Jenny Huriwai, Chris' mother and the manager of Circus Kumarani, said the young Northlanders' success was the result of years of hard work.

"They're really dedicated. They were winners before they went over there for what they'd achieved. I know I should say I'm really proud of my son, but I was proud of him before. I'm really proud of how he's become a role model for other kids."

Mrs Huriwai said it was Sam who first brought her son and Circus Kumarani together, by inviting him to a circus workshop at Kai Iwi Lakes shortly after he won his first world title.

She was already riding then but meeting Chris encouraged her to get into the more extreme end of the sport.

Mrs Huriwai heard the news via Facebook and Samuel's mother in Italy. She was planning a street party in Dargaville when the trio returned; a welcome is also being organised in Kaikohe.

Samuel's father, George Tzikoucos of Kaikohe, said he was immensely proud. "I'm pretty rapt. He's done extremely well and can only get better. They've all come up against some really tough competition and come home champions."

A few days earlier Sam and Samuel had both placed fourth in their sections of the flatland event, although it is not their strength.