THE annual battle of the states will return to the Blue Lake BMX Club on the weekend, when it hosts the SA v Vic Championship on Saturday.
Riders will then back up with the fourth round of the South Australian state series on Sunday, in two days of pedal-pushing action.
This year sees an increase in nominations for the event and Blue Lake BMX Club coach Stephen Jones said it is a positive sign.
“We have about 220 riders entered, which is at least 40 up on last year,” he said.
Of those, 33 are from the Mount Gambier club and will be eager to impress on their home track.
“They are all ready to try and get a good result, especially at the home track,” Jones said.
“The track has actually changed a lot this year, so many of the riders who are coming here this weekend have not seen it, while we have had three or four months on it.”
That will be an advantage for Blue Lake riders, as they face some tough opposition from both South Australia and Victoria.
With the Australian National BMX Championships just two weeks ago, several Limestone Coast riders carry form from competing on the national stage, while four of the current Australian
champions will be in attendance over the weekend, adding plenty of interest for spectators.
Providing some local excitement is youngster Cody Jelleff, who will compete in the superclass men, which races down the pro section on the second straight.
The 17-year-old is the first Blue Lake rider to compete in the class for some time and will be eager to impress in front of a home crowd.
“Is pretty exciting to have someone from here in it,” Jones said.
“The kids love to see someone up in that class.”
Trae Wilke will also be one to watch and will display the number four SA plate in the 13 boys.
He will be joined by Riley Morgan in the class and both will be out to prove themselves against some talented opposition.
A strong representation in the 14-16 boys will see Riley Hill, Jye Smith and Levi Jelleff take on a 16-rider field in what promises to be a competitive class.
Lilly Jones, Lily Kradolfer and Sheridan Picken will all compete in the 8-10 girls and should fare well, while Jade Jennings has shown recent speed after returning from injury and will contest the 14 girls.
The track is in top shape and work has gone on since February, as the club prepares for the South Australia state title next September.
“We are in the process of securing the 2020 state titles,” Jones said.
“We have been working hard to get our track ready now, because it has to be approved this year ready for the state titles.
“For the last month we have been out there trying to get the track surface ready and lines marked.
“It has come up awesome.”
All signs point towards another successful event and should be another positive for the club, which has been boosted by new members and track upgrades this season.
Saturday’s racing starts at 4pm following afternoon practice sessions and will continue under lights, while Sunday’s state round kicks off at 9am with registrations, before racing starts at 11am.
BLUE LAKE BMX CLUB ENTRIES
Under 5 sprockets: April Jones, Grady Reid; 7 sprockets: Mason Jackson, Jackson Jones, Ty Klassens, Archie Murdoch, Angus Payne, Saxon Gabrielli; 8-13 novice boys: Duke Bradley, Hallam Davey, Tyler Jelleff, Gabriel Jones; 8-13 novice girls: Ava Reid; 8 boys: Braith Allison, Jett Beever, Brax Reid; 8-10 girls: Lilly Jones, Lily Kradolfer, Sheridan Picken; 11 boys: Jaiden Picken; 10 boys: Jaques Aslin; 12 boys: Brad Jennings; 13 boys: Trae Wilke, Riley Morgan; 14 boys: Riley Hill, Jye Smith; 14 girls: Jade Jennings; 15-16 boys: Levi Jelleff; 17-24 men: Tyson Jelleff, Kain Jelleff; 40-plus men: Scott Bradley, Peter Jelleff; Superclass men: Cody Jelleff.
