Rotorua BMX rider and world champ Dion Newth. Photo / Supplied
Rotorua BMX rider and world champ Dion Newth. Photo / Supplied
Rotorua cleaned up the BMX nationals at the weekend and the city’s new “world-class” facility has “definitely” contributed to that success, a champion rider says.
Over the weekend, the 2023 BMXNZ National Championships were held at Tauranga BMX Club, with around 600 event entries from 8-year-olds through to 50-and-over seniors for a New Zealand ranking.
Rotorua BMX Club had seven riders stand on the podium, winning a total of nine titles: five firsts, two seconds and two third placings.
Maddy Newcombe, in the 11-year-old category, was also selected as a reserve for the Mighty 11s test series in Australia, which means she is one of five girls to travel and race across the ditch.
Newth, who built his tally to eight New Zealand titles, which sit alongside his world title and two Oceania titles, said the new track and facility at Waipa played a key role in the success of the club on the weekend.
“We’re a strong club and over the last few years, we’ve had this incredible facility made for us ... We’ve got a world-class facility to train at. That’s a reflection of what the club has to offer us as riders.”
He believed this “definitely” contributed to the success of the club.
Last year, Newth got the trifecta of a New Zealand, Oceania and World title, and is chasing the same results this year.
Newth’s advice for those keen to take it further in the sport was to give it 100 per cent.
“I’ve just turned 50 and I’m still chasing my goals. You’ve got to train hard, keep motivated, and you can get out of the sport whatever you put in.”
He raced as a child but gave it up, picking it up again in 2015.
Rotorua BMX Club president Aimee McGregor said she was “so proud and happy” with the performance of everyone on the weekend.
She said the team vibe, support and camaraderie were “fantastic”, which was pleasing because “that’s what it’s all about”.
She said experience levels ranged from seasoned riders to relative newcomers, including a couple of mums who had recently got into BMX and worked hard to get to the champs.
She said Rotorua’s new track contributed to the success of the riders, with the circuit as well as other facilities like a clubroom making it nice for riders and parents.
She said having influential athletes like Newth and Williams active in the club and helping with coaching, also added to the enthusiasm and passion shown by all riders.
