NZ1 Plates Decided at 2026 BMXNZ National Championships

NATIONAL

The 2026 BMX New Zealand National Championships in Te Awamutu saw the country’s best riders crowned across every class, with the coveted NZ1 plates decided after a full weekend of high-quality racing.

From the youngest Sprockets through to the Masters categories, every class delivered tight competition, showcasing the depth and strength of BMX racing across New Zealand.

Full Slate of Champions Crowned

Each class produced its own standout performances, with several riders doubling up across 20” and Cruiser categories, while others claimed their first national title in front of strong crowds.

Depth Across All Categories

The junior ranks once again highlighted the future of the sport, with competitive fields and confident riding across all age groups.

Through the teenage and championship classes, the intensity lifted, with close finishes and consistent performances required across motos and finals to secure the top step.

In the senior and masters divisions, experience came to the fore, with seasoned riders adding to their national title tally, while others broke through for long-awaited NZ1 honours.

Cruiser Competition Adds to the Spectacle

The cruiser classes provided another layer of racing across the weekend, with strong entries and tight battles throughout the age groups, further highlighting the depth of participation at Nationals.

A Championship Weekend

With a fast, well-prepared Te Awamutu track, favourable conditions, and strong support from riders, clubs and spectators, the 2026 BMXNZ Nationals delivered another standout event on the calendar.

For those who stood on the podium, the reward is more than just a win — it’s the right to wear the NZ1 plate, representing the very best in the country for the year ahead.

Participation & Development

Alongside the championship and challenge classes, the event also featured strong participation in the Sprocket categories:

Sprockets 5 & Under
Sprockets 6 Boys
Sprockets 6–7 Girls
Sprockets 7 Boys

While these classes are non-ranked, they remain a vital part of the Nationals programme, showcasing the next wave of BMX talent coming through the sport.

🏁 2026 NZ1 Plate Holders

20” Classes

8 Boys: Hudson Hyslop (East City)
8 Girls: Sage Lawrence (Hawke’s Bay)
9 Boys: Sota Shimada (East City)
9 Girls: Evelyn Zhu (Mountain Raiders)
10 Boys: Thor Piso (Hamilton)
10 Girls: Isla Reid (Cromwell)
11 Boys: Jackson Ropati (East City)
11 Girls: Georjia Pou-Edwards (Mountain Raiders)
12 Boys: Matatini Drollet-Le Caill Hill (North Harbour)
12 Girls: Micah Wallace (Taupō)
13 Boys: Josh Braithwaite (Mountain Raiders)

13 Girls: Addison Harrowfield (Mountain Raiders)
14 Boys: Rico Ryan (Tauranga)
14 Girls: Maddy Newcombe (Rotorua)
15 Boys: Dylan Fox (Tauranga)
15 Girls: Sophie Penny (Te Awamutu)
16 Boys: Lucas Matene (Mountain Raiders)
16 Girls: Beth Walker (Cambridge)
17–24 Male 20": Cooper Richardson (North Harbour)

17–29 Female 20": Amber Robson (Hamilton)
25–29 Male 20": Logan Clarke (North Canterbury)
30–34 Male 20": Dan Franks (Cambridge)
35–39 Male 20": Karl Thurston (Tauranga)
40–44 Male 20": John Hayes (Hamilton)
40+ Female 20": Jeanette Harvey (Rotorua)
45–49 Male 20": Kurt Bagby (Cambridge)
50–54 Male 20": JT Nepia (Gisborne)
55–59 Male 20": Dave Mohi (North Avon Christchurch)
Masters 30+ Female: Toni James (Waitākere)

Cruiser Classes

8–10 Cruiser Male: Frank Waters (Cromwell)
8–12 Cruiser Female: Micah Wallace (Taupō)
11–12 Cruiser Male: Baiden Prescott (Te Awamutu)
13–14 Cruiser Male: Rico Ryan (Tauranga)
13–16 Cruiser Female: Addison Harrowfield (Mountain Raiders)
15–16 Cruiser Male: Ben Polden (North Canterbury)
17–34 Cruiser Male: Dan Butterworth (Rotorua)
17–29 Cruiser Female: Selina Pfister (Mountain Raiders)
35–39 Cruiser Male: Karl Thurston (Tauranga)
30–44 Cruiser Female: Toni James (Waitākere)
40–44 Cruiser Male: Adam Coker (Cambridge)
45–49 Cruiser Male: Kurt Bagby (Cambridge)
50–54 Cruiser Male: Dion Newth (Rotorua)
55+ Cruiser Male: Paul Luttrell (Te Awamutu)
45+ Cruiser Female: Jeanette Harvey (Rotorua)

Article added: Tuesday 24 March 2026