New Zealand will have a powerful presence at the Oceania BMX Racing Championships in Brisbane this weekend, with riders targeting far more than just regional bragging rights.

Over 200 Kiwi competitors — about 16% of the total 1211 entries — are set to roll down the hill at the upgraded Sleeman’s Track in Chandler. Among them, 20 riders will contest the Championship categories, supported by a large Challenge and Cruiser squad spanning from under-5 riders through to 60+ classes.

With Sleeman’s also hosting the UCI BMX Racing World Championships later this year, the Oceania Championships double as both a major title event and an important stepping stone toward world selection.

Elite Men Bring International Edge

The elite men’s field sees New Zealand well represented, led by defending Oceania champion Bennett Greenough (Cambridge) and North Harbour’s internationally experienced Michael Bias.

Both riders arrive battle-hardened from European campaigns — Bias with BMX Besançon and Greenough with St Paul — giving the Kiwi pair valuable race sharpness on the fast Brisbane surface.

Adding further interest, Jack Greenough steps into the U23 ranks after making last year’s world championship final, continuing the strong Greenough family presence. Junior world champion Lily Greenough is unfortunately sidelined this weekend through injury.

Walker Headlines Elite Women

New Zealand’s elite women’s hopes are spearheaded by Leila Walker (Cambridge), who returns to defend the Oceania title she claimed last year.

Still only 20, Walker has already built an impressive résumé — including a semifinal appearance at the World Championships and selection for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

She will be joined by Megan Williams (Rotorua), a consistent performer internationally and a proven threat in major championship racing.

Key Opportunity for the Next Wave

For junior and U23 riders, the stakes are especially high. The Oceania Championships form one of the three key events used in World Championship selection, making every lap count.

New Zealand’s Championship lineup includes:

Elite Men Bennett Greenough (Cambridge) Michael Bias (North Harbour)

U23 Men Jack Greenough (Cambridge) Jesse Green (Christchurch City) Finn Cogan (Cambridge) Nick Cowie (Southland)

Junior Men Nico Cogan (Cambridge) Deacon Connor (North Harbour) Daniel Mason (Tauranga) Bryson Joyce (Mountain Raiders) Tyla Dinsdale (Whangare  )Kobi Russell (Cambridge) Jack Stanley (Alexandra)

Masters Daniel Franks (Cambridge)

Elite Women Megan Williams (Rotorua) Leila Walker (Cambridge)

U23 Women Brooke Penny (Cambridge)

Junior Women Azaria Thornley (North Avon) Madeleine Hunter (Mountain Raiders)

Strength Across the Board

While the Championship classes carry the headline focus, the broader Kiwi team tells an equally strong story. The 200-plus Challenge and Cruiser riders underline the depth of BMX Racing in New Zealand and ensure the black fern will be prominent throughout the weekend programme.

Eyes on Brisbane — and Beyond

With Sleeman’s freshly upgraded ahead of the World Championships, this weekend offers riders a prime chance to dial in speed, timing and race craft on one of the region’s premier tracks.

For some, it’s about defending titles.For others, it’s about forcing their way into World Championship contention.For many of the younger riders, it’s their first taste of the Oceania stage.

Either way, New Zealand arrives in Brisbane in serious numbers — and ready to make an impact.

📊 Live Results: https://our.sqorz.com/org/acbmxracing/event/6982f937d399fd4041d82c1e/classes
📺 Watch Live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8b8vQxQTW8M

Article added: Friday 20 February 2026