The AusCycling BMX National Championships took place at the Shepparton track from October 30 to November 4 and virtually every rider available to represent Shepparton was on hand to compete.
Boasting a comparatively small contingent of roughly 20 compared to many larger metropolitan clubs, Shepparton punched far above its weight to finish the week with eight plates.
Awarded for top-eight finishes in a given category, the plates represented a massive reward for effort among the local riders and a new coat of paint on the buzz around the club.
“We’re absolutely thrilled for all of our riders and it’s a bonus to come away with so many Australian plates, given how long we didn’t have a track,” Shepparton BMX secretary Kaz Kelly said.
“In Melbourne, there are always tracks close by, but for some of our riders, with everything that happened, their nearest track was nearly two hours away.
“To have experienced riders want to come back and to be so successful was fantastic after some time away.”
Austin McNair (seventh in under-23 Men), Matilda Kelly (sixth in 15-16 Girls Cruiser), Imogene McLean (sixth in 8-10 Girls Cruiser) and Zayvier Sandland (fifth in 25-29 Men) were among the Shepparton riders to claim national plates.
Four more riders achieved Australian podiums, including Levi Collins (third in 35-39 Men) and Gian Renato (second in 17-24 Men).
Father-son duo Lance (60+ Men’s Cruiser) and Jamie Mahuika (30-34 Men), who achieved top and second places in their respective age categories, capped the swathe of successes.
“It absolutely has to be highlighted that Lance has been so successful as Australia’s best in that field,” Kelly said.
“While his field was smaller, categories like the 17-24 and 25-29 were really hotly contested.
“It’s nice to highlight one, but at the same time, getting any plate is really exciting.”
The event’s success and overall atmosphere also turned more than a few heads within the community, with phones ringing with surprising numbers inquiring about membership.
“We’re still fielding lots of inquiries for people who have come down and watched nationals and might want to give their child a try,” Kelly said.
“We’re dealing with about a dozen per week at the moment.”
Enjoying these kinds of highs will always, first and foremost, galvanise those already part of the club, though.
“It’s brought a renewed enthusiasm for improving our facilities and for the riders getting down to train,” Kelly said.
“One of the biggest benefits of (the meet) was the connection to each other since the kids all know each other now and they all helped out throughout the week.
“That’s probably been the biggest benefit for us.”
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