BMX: Olympic trials key to future events

More top class BMX events could be staged in Bunbury if the upcoming Olympic qualifying rounds are a success, according to Bunbury BMX Club president Tim Wakeling.

Over the weekend of January 29 and 30, the city will be on show when rounds five and six of the prestigious 2011 National Probikx Championships and Union Cyclist Internationale (UCI) Oceania ranking series are staged at the newly constructed Perkins BMX Stadium.

‘‘Without question, the eyes of Australia’s peak BMX body will be here and looking at how we run the event and our capacity to host these types of events,’’ Mr Wakeling said.

‘‘We’re confident that we can run a successful event and that it will encourage them to want to come back.’’

Among the riders making their way to the South West in just over a week include home-grown star Lauren Reynolds, Nicole Callisto (WA) and Luke Madill (NSW) along with Australian team members Brian Kirkham (SA), Caroline Buchanan (ACT) and a host of other top Australian riders looking for a place in the London 2012 Olympic side.

‘‘It’s a terrific opportunity for our local club to host the nation’s best riders right here in Bunbury,’’ Mr Wakeling said.

‘‘In the past we have hosted an age State title here a number of years ago, but this is an event that will attract the nation’s best riders.

‘‘For many of them this will be their first time over here, other than the National Titles, that were held in Perth a couple of years ago.’’