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Three intrepid Canungra children travelled to Gympie for the Queensland BMX State Championships held from 20 to 24 September.
With over 900 competitors aged between two and seventy years, Jaylen Da Silva (three years), Teddy Busby (six years) and Taj Joyce (seven years) were amongst the youngest on site.
Jaylen’s mother, Kirsty Da Silva said the seven years and under classes are not for competition so they all do four motos (races).
“This division is called Sprockets and they encourage all the children to get the feel for racing without the pressure of wins,” she said.
Practice for the young riders was on Friday 22 September and then warm up and racing was all day Sunday.
Jaylen was the youngest competitor in Sprockets. She started riding when she was only two years of age in a balance bike, moving to pedals a few months later.
“They have been known even at this age to reach speeds of over 35 kilometres an hour,” said Kirsty.
Asked what they like about BMX, Jaylen said she likes standing and pedalling and riding with her friends really fast.
Teddy loves jumping and wheelies, whereas Taj had a number of elements he finds enjoyable.
“I love the jumps, how fast I can ride and the gates. It makes me happy,” he said.
He enjoys helping his friends ride too and said some of his friends at school are nervous of riding but if he can show them it’s fun, it helps them learn they can do it too.
All three children train two to three times a week at Nerang and Ashmore BMX clubs and have put in extra time to prepare for the State Championships.
