It was a golden day in Bunbury for Olympic silver medallist Sarah Walker (New Zealand) as she claimed her second elite women’s title in three years. Australia’s Corey Frieswyk grabbed gold in the elite men’s as Nathaniel Rodway (Australia) and Ashlee Miller (Australia) took out the under 19 crowns.

Temperatures in to the 30’s did not deter riders or crowds with over 1000 people attending an action packed day of racing with nearly 100 of Oceania’s best riders battling it out for the honour of wearing the Oceania Champions jersey.

Elite Men

A nail-biting finish saw Corey Frieswyk (Australia) claim his maiden Oceania crown edging Brandon Te Hiko (Australia) by five thousandths of a second in a race that had the crowd glued to their seats. Tristyn Kronk made it an all Australian podium with bronze.

“At the moment I’m doing pretty solid hours at work and trying to balance the life of that commitment with BMX. It’s always tough but it’s coming good,” Frieswyk said.

“Today was such a tough race and I had to pull out some lines which I hadn’t done yet, but I’m just happy my legs held on.”

Elite Women

London Olympic silver medallist Sarah Walker (New Zealand) continued her return to BMX claiming her second Oceania title in three years in commanding fashion ahead of countrywoman Rebecca Petch with Sara Jones (Australia) completing the podium in third.

Walker who the title in 2016 in Auckland looked untroubled all day breezing through the moto rounds to start the final as the fastest seed. For Petch her silver medal continued the New Zealand National Champions consistency having won silver as an under 19 in 2015 and 2016 and silver last year as an elite.

“I felt really calm out of the gate and all I was thinking about was just one jump at a time and giving 100 per cent,” Walker said of her third elite Oceania title.

“My preparation this year has been so much better than last year. My mind is all about having fun and enjoying my riding and when I do that, my trainings are better and my racing is better which means everything is enjoyable.”

Under 19 Men

Nathaniel Rodway (Australia) proved quickest in the final having breezed his way through the rounds stormed to gold in the under 19 men’s with Kyle Hill (Australia) the other standout performer claiming silver. New Zealand’s Cailen Calkin completed the podium.

“It was a good start coming out strong and yeah just carried the lap from there,” a delighted Rodway said moments after crossing the line.

Under 19 Women

Australia’s Ashlee Miller showed no sign of trouble as she dominated the under 19 women’s category for her maiden Australian title winning all three rides on route to gold. Silver went to Molly McGill (Australia) who in another consistent performance placed second in all three rides. The podium was completed by Edan Whitlock (Australia).

“I really like the track we got some time here on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday and I’ve really got some good legs at the moment.”

2018 Oceania BMX Championship Medallists

Elite Men
Gold – Corey FRIESWYK (Australia)
Silver – Brandon TE HIKO (Australia)
Bronze – Tristyn KRONK (Australia)

Elite Women
Gold – Sarah WALKER (New Zealand)
Silver – Rebecca PETCH (New Zealand)
Bronze – Sara JONES (Australia)

Junior Men
Gold – Nathaniel RODWAY (Australia)
Silver – Kyle HILL (Australia)
Bronze – Cailen CALKIN (New Zealand)

Junior Women
Gold – Ashlee MILLER (Australia)
Silver – Molly MCGILL (Australia)
Bronze – Edan WHITLOCK (Australia)

Full Results