Cycling: Challenging track awaits at BMX champs

Sarah Walker will defend her dual world titles in both elite and cruiser classes at the world BMX championships. Photo / Rotorua Daily Post

New Zealand riders must contend with a challenging track at this week's world BMX championships in South Africa.

Sarah Walker will defend her dual world titles in both elite and cruiser classes at Pietermaritzberg, where a massive double track has been built at the local showgrounds.

Beijing Olympic track-builder Tom Ritzenthaler of the United States has designed a supercross track which is 385m, side by side with the normal BMX track for the Challenge classes.

A 47-strong New Zealand team is in Pietermaritzberg, among 1100 competitors from 38 nations.

Seven New Zealanders will contest the elite classes.

Walker is joined by Taranaki's Victoria Hill, who is having her first start in a world championship at the elite level.

Beijing Olympian Mark Willers leads the elite men's team.

The elite men and women qualifying is tomorrow ahead of the world championships on Saturday morning involving qualifying motos, three elimination rounds and finals.

NZ ELITE TEAM

Women: Sarah Walker (Rotorua), Victoria Hill (New Plymouth).

Men: Marc Willers (Cambridge), Kurt James (Cambridge) Nic Fox (Gisborne).

Junior: Trent Woodcock (Sunset Coast), Daniel Franks (North Avon).

- NZPA