New Supercross BMX track in action in Pukekohe

BMX riders get their first introduction to the new Supercross track near Pukekohe in the Pacific Elite Series this weekend.

The dual track at Puni, part of the Sunset Coast club’s complex, includes the 8m start ramp used in key World Cup Supercross and Olympic competition.

It is among a handful of permanent Supercross facilities in the country, and will be a significant boost to the development of New Zealand’s BMX development.

The recent inclement weather has been challenging to the track builders with the weekend competition providing a soft launch for the complex to test both the new ramp and lengthened new straight, the new jumps and surface.

The imposing start ramp has been made possible with support from BikeNZ and High Performance Sport New Zealand.

New Zealand’s leading two BMX riders, Marc Willers and Sarah Walker will be missing from the weekend action. Willers has returned to his base in California while there’s insufficient entries for an elite women’s competition.

Leading the way in the elite men’s class is Tauranga’s Kurt Pickard, currently the top ranked Oceania rider, who is pressing his claims for the second men’s spot for the London Olympics.

Also in action will be fellow BikeNZ High Performance riders Kurt James (Cambridge), Daniel Franks (Christchurch), Nick Fox (Gisborne) and Matthew Cameron (New Plymouth). There are two young Australians taking part in number three ranked Josh Callan and Josh Norton.

There are two competitions on Saturday from 1pm and Sunday from 11am.