A record-sized contingent from Tauranga BMX Club is preparing to represent New Zealand at the 2026 BMX World Championships in Brisbane next month.
Seventeen riders from the club have qualified for the event, which runs from July 17-25, making it one of the club’s largest groups to attend the championships in many years.
The riders earned their places by finishing in the top eight of their age groups at either the 2025 or 2026 BMX National Championships. Others were able to apply for wildcard entries if injury or other circumstances prevented them from competing at nationals.
Twelve of the 17 riders who will be representing Tauranga and New Zealand at the 2026 BMX World Championships in Brisbane in July. Photo / Kelly O’Hara
Among those heading to Brisbane is 10-year-old Jacob Crawford, who secured a wildcard entry after breaking his collarbone just a week before the national championships.
His mother, Tauranga BMX Club committee member Kim Crawford, said the opportunity to compete at a world championship was a significant achievement.
“We’ve got 17 riders from Tauranga that are all going over to Brisbane in July to race at the BMX World Champs, so we’re very proud,” she said.
“It’s awesome that these kids get to go, along with adults. The riders get this opportunity to go and represent New Zealand.”
Rico Ryan, 14, will be representing New Zealand at the 2026 BMX World Championships in Brisbane, competing in the 14-year-old boy’s section. Photo / Kelly O’Hara
Tauranga BMX Club president Amanda Withington said the riders had put in a huge effort leading up to nationals.
“The club is very proud of all our riders heading over to the 2026 World Champs.
“They all worked so hard training on and off the track leading up to our NZ Nationals back in March.”
Withington said the experience of competing overseas would be invaluable for many of the riders, particularly younger members.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for our riders who have never experienced riding on an international track – the atmosphere is huge.
“A lot of the younger riders are especially looking forward to going to watch their BMX idols, the elite riders from all over the world, who they would normally follow and watch their races on social media or YouTube.”
The championships attract riders from around the world and feature competitors ranging from children through to riders in their 70s.
Crawford said having the 2026 event in Australia had made the trip more accessible for New Zealand families.
“Having it so close to home in Australia this year has just been so great.
“The achievement of going over and wearing the silver fern and the black and white jersey is going to be awesome for everyone.”
Tauranga BMX Club riders will compete across a range of age categories, from youth divisions through to adult classes.
Tauranga riders who will be representing New Zealand at the BMX World Championships, in action at the Tauranga BMX track. Photo / Kelly O’Hara
Crawford believes the club’s success reflects the strength of its coaching programme and the dedication of its riders.
“We’re very lucky here in Tauranga that we’ve got two really amazing coaches available to us,” she said.
The coaches include former Olympian Kurt Pickard and experienced BMX coach Andrew Hickey, who have helped develop riders capable of competing on the international stage.
“For a smaller club, we definitely always come back and throw our weight around at nationals, which is great,” Crawford said.
“We’re very lucky to have those coaches because that makes all the difference.”
The Brisbane championships will provide riders with the chance to test themselves against some of the world’s best BMX athletes while proudly representing both Tauranga and New Zealand.
“The club’s extremely proud of everybody that represents New Zealand,” Crawford said.
“And we’re really excited to be together as a club representing New Zealand and Tauranga.”