High-fliers ramp up the prizes

QUEENSBURGH BMX riders sped off with plenty of accolades at the annual KZN BMX Awards. One hundred and fifty guests graced the glamorous evening at the Shongweni Club on Saturday, January 14.

Showcasing the event setting, the esteemed winners of the KZN Series, SA Cup Series, SA Team Challenge, KZN Colours, Protea Colours and many more were lauded for their achievements.

In the six-year-old-and-under male novice section, Mason van Heerden finished third in KZN and second in SA, while Parker Mann was crowned KZN Champion and SA Cup Champion. In the age 7-8 male novice section, Carter Stroh lifted the KZN Champion and SA Cup Champion awards, and Jace Berry won a merit award for outstanding performance and dedication.

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Dominic Eggar claimed second in KZN in the 7-8 male expert class, while Altus van Staden was third in KZN and third in the SA Cup.

Queensburgh’s speed princess, Rylee van Heerden, dominated the girls’ 11-13-years group. She received recognition for achieving a World 5 position in France last year, crowned 2022 SA Champion and SA Cup Champion. Naturally, she was awarded SA as well as KZN Colours.

Added to her haul of accolades was a merit award for representing the KZN A-team in an inter-provincial BMX competition; recognition for being part of Team ABM that placed second in the team competition at the SA Cup Series, and for receiving the Paul Breschi award for the second consecutive year. This floating trophy is awarded for ‘determination and enthusiasm for the sport of BMX racing’.

Anrie van Staden was second in KZN for girls’ 11-13-years.

In the 13-14 male expert class, Alex Vorster peddled his way to second in KZN, while Kendall Coombes was hailed as the KZN Champion, and she also came third in the girls’ 14-years and over for the SA Cup Series.

Christopher Axford, 17-24 male expert, lifted the SA Champion trophy; finished third in KZN to claim his Colours, and received recognition for being team coach at the World Championships in France and for being part of Team ABM that placed second in the team competition at the SA Cup Series.

“Congratulations to all the BMX riders who received recognition for their achievements. A huge shoutout to all our Queensburgh Riders; we are so proud of you. May 2023 be an incredible year for all our riders,” said chairman Daryl Vorster.

For more information on riding BMXs and how to get involved, call club secretary Nicolene van Staden on 084 529 7189 or email queensburghbmxclub@gmail.com.

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