The ride of their lives
Six riders from the Taupō BMX Club are heading to Brisbane, Australia, to compete at the UCI BMX Racing World Championships from 17–24 July at Sleeman BMX — one of the largest contingents the club has sent to the event in recent years.
Taupō BMX Club members gather ahead of their trip to Brisbane for the UCI BMX Racing World Championships. Photo: Tracey Burley
The team includes Donovan Wallace in 11 Boys and 12 and Under Cruiser Male, Micah Wallace in 12 Girls and 12 and Under Cruiser Female, Cohen Ludlam in 16 Boys, Riley Burley and Angus Thompson in 17–24 Male, and Kevin Tamepo in 50–54 Cruiser Male.
Riley’s Mum and club member Tracey Burley says it is one of the largest teams in a while because it is in Australia and more accessible this time.
Previous World Championships have been in the United States or Europe so were not as accessible.
To qualify, riders must finish in the top eight in their age group at the New Zealand Nationals.
The competition would be intense and a good experience for the riders. Riley's 17–24 age group alone has more than 100 competitors, with riders getting just three 40-second runs to advance.
"Just to qualify, to get there, to be racing, is just such a big thing … It's going to be very overwhelming."
Angus Thompson is making his second trip to Worlds after 15 years of riding, while Cohen Ludlam and Riley Burley are attending for the first time.
The Wallace siblings are competing at their third Worlds, with Micah having previously reached the finals.
Kevin Tamepo has been riding for 45 years and is heading to his seventh World Championships. He also serves as the club's track manager and departed for Brisbane earlier this week.
"Kevin keeps the club going, actually.”
Getting to Brisbane has required significant fundraising. Costs include entry fees, New Zealand team gear, and spectator passes — with family passes running around $1,000. Riders have organised raffles, food stalls, and events including a movie theatre fundraiser to help cover expenses.
Donations to support the team can be made to The Taupō BMX Club Incorporated, account number 03-0430-0249068-002.
The club is entirely volunteer-run, with parents playing a central role in keeping it operational.
Nearly all of the competing riders' parents have served or currently serve on the club's committee.
Riley has also been working with Kurt Pickard, a former professional rider, who has been coaching him through structured training programmes ahead of the event.
"Once you've got the bug, that's it," Burley says.
