Willers, Walker head Olympic qualifying BMX event in Pukekohe

Some of the world’s BMX riders from USA, Australia and New Zealand are heading to Pukekohe this weekend chasing vital Olympic qualifying points.

The new BMX Supercross track at Puni near Pukekohe will host the two-day Oceania Intercontinental Championship on 12-13 March. This is one of five held around the world for Olympic qualifying points this year.

Two time world champion Sarah Walker will be in action along with fellow Beijing Olympian Marc Willers, who is returning from his base in California.

A strong Australian contingent is crossing the Tasman including Olympians Luke Madill and Caroline Buchanan while World Supercross winners Nic Long and Dave Herman along with super-talented Corben Sharrah head a crack USA team heading to New Zealand.

“It’s going to be an exciting opportunity to see some of the world’s best in action,” said organiser Bruce Northwood.

“With New Zealand to host the world championships in two years time, it’s going to give a hint at the quality of riders who will come to this country.

“It is also an extremely important competition. New Zealand will be looking for some strong performances in the process of qualifying a number of riders for London, and this is a first part of that process.”

Willers (Cambridge) recently won the North American Continental event and currently he leads the American BMX Association national series.

There will be two days of competition starting from 1pm on Saturday and 11am on Sunday.