BMX riders race in Level 2

Off to the nationals are Gisborne BMX Club members, back (from left): Kyla Newton, David Bacon, Rockie Ellmers, Sherilyn Anderson, Justin Nepia. Front: Gemma Ellmers, Brad O'Connell-Bacon, Asher Nepia-Anderson, Reave Nepia-Anderson, Jade Ellmers, Jax Nepia-Anderson, Pippa Spence, Claire Ellmers. Absent: Guy Spence (manager). Picture by Michelle Ellmers

Gisborne BMX Club ran its race meeting last Tuesday under Covid Alert Level 2 conditions.

In the division for riders five years and under, Jax Nepia-Anderson continued his build-up for nationals by leading the way. Zahn Light is showing continued improvement and having good battles with Seth Hancock. Emily Wells rounded out the field.

Jonny Hancock led the group for six- and seven-year-old riders. He was chased hard by Pippa Spence and, on his first club day, Cole Harris.

In the division for 10- and 11-year-olds, Asher Nepia-Anderson narrowly pipped Brad O'Connell-Bacon and Reave Nepia-Anderson. These three are showing good form heading into the national championships in Rotorua this weekend.

Gemma Ellmers, Flynn Teutenberg and William Johnston-Priest rounded out the group.

In the division for 12- and 13-year-old riders, Jordan Fenwick and Cory Carpendale continued their close racing and were narrowly ahead of the always-improving Claire Ellmers and Asha McKnight.

The 16-plus division — largely made up of parents of younger riders — was again the biggest group.

Guy Spence topped the group, one point ahead of Jason Lasenby and Rockie Ellmers. Tony Carpendale led home David Bacon, JT Nepia, Sherilyn Anderson, Kyla Newton, Glenn Wells, Phill Gill, Ethan Gill and Ashar Wells.

The next meeting is tomorrow, when anyone wanting to try the sport of BMX will be welcome.

Sign-in at the BMX track in Lytton Road, opposite Nelson Park, is from 5.30pm, with racing from 6pm.

Fourteen club members will travel to Rotorua to contest the BMX New Zealand National Championships from March 12 to 14. The riders have put in lots of hard work to prepare for this event.