26 June 2026, Issue 1316
World bound A record number of Tauranga BMX Club riders will represent New Zealand at the 2026 BMX World Championships in Brisbane next month. The 17 riders make up one of the club’s strongest contingents in years, with the event running from July 17-25 and
attracting competitors from around the world, from young children through to riders in their 70s. Among those heading over is 10-year-old Blake Tie who will be representing New Zealand in the ten-year-old boys’ section of the championships.
Tauranga BMX Club committee member Kim Crawford said it was exciting to see so many riders make the cut. “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. “The riders get this
opportunity to go and represent New Zealand.” Crawford said strong coaching, including Olympian Kurt Pickard and Andrew Hickey, has helped develop riders ready for the world stage. Read more on page 4. Photo / Kelly O’Hara.