BMX
Rotorua's Matthew Tew will ride for the New Zealand senior boys team and take on the Australians this weekend in Cambridge.
It's quite a remarkable feat considering Tew is just 14 years old and has been racing his bike for only four years.
The senior category is for riders over 11 years
but beneath the elite grades.
The Rotorua BMX Club member was selected after recent trials when more than 20 riders from around the country raced for selection in various Kiwi test teams.
"I am really happy to be selected," said Tew. "There was stiff competition [at the trials] as the majority of riders have been racing since they were 5 years old."
In only his fourth season racing the Year 10 Bethlehem College student picked up second in his age group at the New Zealand Championships in April. He also rode at the World Championships in Adelaide in July.
The test involves three motos on Saturday and two on Sunday, followed by a final with all points counting towards team totals.
Tew was one of five Rotorua BMX Club members who trialled for the various New Zealand teams. The others were Ihakara Pene, Blair McLeod, Nathan Coleman (all Mighty 11s) and Alexander Steel (seniors). Kayla Pene was unable to trial for the women's test team due to illness.
While Tew has a test to ride for, the internationals will also be in action at the North Island championships this weekend, also in Cambridge. The Rotorua BMX Club will be represented by 43 riders, included world silver and bronze medallist Dave Mohi. National champions Lachlan Stevens-McNabb and Tuhoto Pene are also entered.
The North Island riders will race four motos on Saturday and two motos plus quarter, semis and finals on Sunday in a top-eight format.
Rotorua will host the North Island Championships in 2010.
* Rotorua BMX Club holds open nights every Wednesday with registration from 5.15pm and racing starting at 6pm.
