Cycling New Zealand has announced riders for the 2019-2020 BMX National Performance Hub team based in Cambridge.
The BMX Performance Hub riders have surpassed expectations in the first year, picking up national and Oceania titles and consistently ranking on the podium at key events.
Cycling New Zealand Hub coach and former BMX national champion, Matt Cameron is pleased with the development in the first year.
“It’s been a full-on year and the squad have been pushed hard to get results and we are seeing measurable improvement and consistency in performances.
“BMX is a tough sport and there’s a fine line between pushing the limits and taking it too far. What has been noticeable is that at the big events they consistently deliver. The training is paying off and the confidence is growing.”
Cameron, who has a wealth of experience from his time as an international rider, understands the importance not only of physical and tactical skills but also mental skills and good preparation.
The BMX Hub has specific training sessions each week for the Hub riders and an open Saturday session where any rider can attend and gain valuable insight. A number of elite riders often attend these sessions and rub shoulders with the Hub riders, providing a challenging but safe learning environment.
The BMX Performance Hub is part of the Subway national cycling performance programme that includes the Grassroots Trust Waikato-Bay of Plenty, Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Hub and SIT Southland-Otago Hub, Upper-South Hub based in Christchurch and National Mountain Bike Hub in Rotorua.
The six Subway National Performance Hubs have been established to nurture future success of high performance cycling in New Zealand by increasing both the quality and quantity of young riders feeding into the elite tier of the sport.
“Investing in development and performance pathways is a key to securing top talent and continuing to grow New Zealand’s performance outcomes on the world stage,” said Cycling New Zealand CEO, Jacques Landry.
The BMX National Performance Hub has been realised with the support from Schick Civil Construction, who have a long history in supporting sporting endeavours in New Zealand.
“We are proud to have seen the progression of the Hub athletes excited to support our BMX talent. We look forward to watching the development of these young people in New Zealand,” said Pat Peoples, Managing Director, Schick Civil Construction.
Cycling New Zealand’s national sponsor, Subway has also put its support behind the programme and is delighted with the growth of the hub network.
Amanda Templeton, Regional Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for Subway New Zealand said the brand was proud to support emerging cycling talent right across the country through the Subway Performance Hub Programme.
“The Cambridge-based Subway BMX Performance Hub is seeing impressive results with riders achieving national and international titles – we know that this program is helping these athletes move to the next level of their careers,” Ms Templeton said.
Local Subway franchise owners are integral to the partnership and supporting local riders throughout the year. Irene Heydon, Subway Cambridge franchise owner, praised the Subway Regional Performance Hub programme for the support it was providing to budding riders.
“These young riders from the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions have huge opportunities ahead and it’s fantastic knowing that we’re part of that journey by fuelling them with fresh and delicious subs, salads, wraps and paninis,” said Heydon.
The Schick Civil BMX National Performance Hub team will train through July before as some athletes prepare for BMX Worlds in Belgium from the 22 August 2019.
The Schick Civil BMX National Performance Hub for 2019-2020 is: Luey Cotton (Kapiti), Jessie Smith (Hamilton), Rico D’Anvers (Cambridge), Jono Sargison (Taupo), Mason James (Christchurch), Tasman Wakelin (Cambridge), Charlie Lester-Rosson (Cambridge), Nic Daniels (North Canterbury), Cooper Merito (Te Awamutu), Bennett Greenough (Cambridge), Rico Bearman (North Harbour), Megan Williams (Rotorua).
