PMB BMX duo set to test themselves in Brisbane

Fresh off a dominant showing at the South African National BMX Cup Series, Pietermaritzburg BMX Club is celebrating another major milestone as two of its young riders prepare to compete against the world’s best at the BMX World Championships in Brisbane, Australia.

Shai Duke-Norris and Dylan Martin will represent both the club and South Africa at the championships, which run from July 20 to 25, where they will race against elite international competitors in one of the sport’s biggest annual events.

PMB BMX Club vice-chairperson Cliff Eloff said the championships offer an invaluable opportunity for both riders to measure themselves against the world’s top BMX talent.

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The BMX World Championships provides riders with the opportunity to compete against international athletes.

“Racing overseas exposes riders to a higher level of competition, helping them develop their technical skills, race strategy and mental resilience.

“It is an important stepping stone for athletes with ambitions of competing at overseas and Olympic level,” said Eloff.

Although both riders are still under 18, they will line up in highly competitive classes. Shai will compete in the 20-inch Male 35 & Over and 35-39 Men Cruiser classes, while Dylan will contest the 20-inch Boys 15 and 15-16 Boys Cruiser categories.

The week-long championships will include official training sessions, practice rides on world-class BMX tracks and a series of international races.

Eloff said beyond the racing, the experience would expose the pair to Australia’s thriving BMX culture while allowing them to build friendships with riders from around the globe.

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“While some of the riders have travelled internationally before, every overseas competition brings a new set of challenges and excitement. There are definitely a few nerves, especially leading up to the first race.

“The riders are excited to test themselves against strong international competition, and while there is some pressure, they are well prepared and eager to make the most of the experience,” he said.

The club is hoping the trip will further develop both riders, regardless of the final results. “The goal is for every rider to gain valuable international racing experience, improve with every race, and represent the PMB BMX Club and South Africa with pride and sportsmanship.

“Strong race results are always welcomed, but success will also be measured by personal growth, increased confidence, learning from international competition, and returning home with new skills and experiences that will benefit the riders and the club in the future,” Eloff added.

The international opportunity follows another successful outing for PMB BMX Club at the South African National BMX Cup Series in Gauteng earlier this month.

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The club’s riders impressed across rounds four, five and six, with Emily Eloff winning all 12 of her races in the 9-10 Expert Girls category and Chad Carroll claiming top honours in the 12 Expert Boys division.

Both now lead the national BMX Cup Series standings in their respective age groups.

Gabriel Santos recorded one victory and two second-place finishes, Nehemia Kitaba secured three runner-up finishes, while Byron Robertson produced a consistent performance in the Cruiser class.

Emily and Chad also claimed national titles at the South African Pump Track Championships, earning coveted SA1 numbers in their respective age groups.