Kempton Park BMX hosts 2025 SA Nationals
Spectators were thrilled as their favourites advanced to the finals, while others faced disappointment after missing out on the podium.
After almost seven years, the Kempton Park BMX Club hosted Leg 5 and Leg 6 of the 2025 South African National BMX Cup Series on October 4.
Riders from across South Africa, including Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, descended on the local track for a weekend of thrilling competition. The club also welcomed special participants from Zimbabwe.
Families, friends and supporters gathered in large numbers to cheer on the riders, creating a festive atmosphere.
The competition was split into two rounds, with medals awarded per race.
Local favourite Miyanda Maseti, competing in the 14 and Over Girls class, claimed first place. She said the cold weather early in the day made racing challenging but conditions improved once it warmed up.
“The day was pretty awesome, I enjoyed myself,” Maseti said.
“It was cold in the morning, I was shivering the whole time, but once it got warmer, I started feeling more comfortable on the track. You can’t expect to win, but you can work hard to give yourself the best chance.”
Photo by: Masego Mashilo
Elite riders, including Alex Limberg and Alex White, drew huge attention as they battled neck and neck for the top spot.
Other standout performers included Matthew Sears, Jared Goode, Leanna Brits, Miyanda Maseti, Alex Limberg and Alex Whitehead, all delivering masterclass performances against strong competition.
Each round consisted of three motos, followed by semi-finals and finals to determine the top three in each category.
Some riders found the first moto relatively easy, while cold conditions challenged others.
Despite this, competitors showed determination and sportsmanship, pushing through to the end.
Nine-year-old Mason Swanepoel, racing in the Novice category for Kempton Park BMX Club, also took first place.
“The competition was fun and scary at the same time,” said Swanepoel.
“Everyone had a chance to win. Training wasn’t difficult for me, I’m used to it and I just did my best, which helped me win today.”
As the day progressed, fatigue affected some riders and a few suffered minor injuries, yet many showed resilience, finishing their motos even after crashes.
Some age groups had as many as 16 riders, requiring two gates from the first moto through to the semi-finals, with the top eight advancing to the finals.
“The whole experience has been really good,” said Leonard Ross, a 16+ Novice Cruiser rider from Queensburgh BMX Club.
“Kempton Park BMX really brings the atmosphere, and the riders are amazing. The level of competition was high, and I think my experience helped me secure first place.”
Spectators were thrilled as their favourites advanced to the finals, while others faced disappointment after missing out on the podium.
Only three riders could claim positions in each class, but all participants left proud to have competed at the national event.
Leanna Brits, a Cruiser Ladies rider from Alrode BMX Club, praised her coach Andrew Posthumus.
“My amazing coach took me under his wing in February this year. His knowledge of the sport is incredible, and we worked hard to get to where we are today,” said Brits.
“The nerves on race day were hectic, but once the gate drops, adrenaline takes over and you just enjoy the moment.”
Among the standout results, Leanna Brits, Miyanda Maseti and Matthew Sears all took first place in both rounds.
For many others, honours were split between Rounds 5 and 6, with riders swapping first and second places, showing just how close the competition was.
