When it comes to Olympic experience, they are the new kids on the block. But in terms of medal prospects, they're hot property.
BMX, making its Olympic debut this year, will boast one of the country's top medal contenders with world No 1 Sarah Walker yesterday confirmed asa member of the Beijing-bound cycling team.
The Kawerau 22-year-old will be joined by fellow BMX rider Marc Willers, of Cambridge, ranked No 5 on the UCI world rankings.
Also named in the Olympic squad yesterday were mountain bike riders Rosara Joseph and Kashi Leuchs.
New Zealand Olympic Committee secretary-general Barry Maister said yesterday he was delighted BMX had been included on the Games programme.
"And I know with Sarah and Marc in excellent form, New Zealanders will be following this exciting sport."
Walker has recently tasted success in China, winning a bronze in the Olympic and Cruiser classes of the world championships held there this month. She dominated the Supercross world series in the 2007-2008 season.
Willers won the French round of the Supercross series last year, and was second in Spain in February.
Rhodes Scholar Joseph is recovering from a broken ankle but will be looking to emulate or better her fifth placing at the world championships last year. She won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne two years ago.
The 26-year-old returned to international competition last week with a solid 30th at the world championships in Italy, starting out slowly then moving through the field.
France-based Leuchs will be taking part in his third Olympics and will be looking to improve on his creditable 17th in Sydney and 28th in Athens in the crosscountry event. He has twice finished in the top-10 at the world championships.
The cycling team will next week name more athletes for its road and track events.
