Ramping up for gold

Pic of 19-year-old BMX rider Cooper Wilson at Rampfest in Braybrook. (Damjan Janevski) 383976_02

The Freestyle BMX National Championships return to Braybrook this summer, with an all-star lineup set to steal the show.

Rampfest indoor skatepark will play host to the event on February 10 and 11.

Rampfest general manager Chris Bierton said this year being an Olympic year means fans can expect to see the best of the best competing and honing their tricks.

“Expect to see a lot of the heavy hitters,” he said. “This is as good as it gets in Victoria, this event is at the top of the domestic calendar.

“Logan Martin who won gold for Freestyle park BMX at Tokyo 2020 is a good chance to be there.

“Alec Danelutti, a local Melbourne rider who grew up riding at Rampfest, is in contention for an Olympic Spot this year, and looking to push his case.

“In the women’s, Natalya Dihem was our 2020 Olympian – finished fifth – and is looking to go to her second Olympics. Sarah Nicki is a young up-and-coming rider at only 16, she is pushing Natalya for that Olympic spot.”

“We’ve worked with AusCycling, Maribyrnong council and the state government on this event, and to host it for the fourth time since 2018 is a huge honour.”

Not only will elite talent be on display, but an old-school BMX show and displays will be an added boost of entertainment, and there will be plenty of live music, food, and drink to enjoy.

Gerald Lynch