| BMXNZ Team Selection 2007 |
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| Wednesday, 14 February 2007 | |
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This year will offer opportunity like no other year in BMX NZ history. This year we, as a sport, will select a number of groups to represent New Zealand at BMX in a Trans Tasman competition for both away and home events. Last year at the North Island titles event in New Plymouth we saw the last senior test team event (16+) between NZ and Australia. Discussions have been in play between New Zealand and Australia with a view to replace the old senior group with a new age of 14-15 years. Progress has been positive and we are pleased to announce that this year we will field a male test team across ages 14-15 years. We will also take two females riders between 13-15 years on the away trip in June this year. Our aim for the North Islands at Gisborne 2007 will be to have a female test team selected and compete against Australia in the same format as 14-15 Male. The move in age selection will provide for the much needed gap fill between Mighty 11 selection and junior elite/Senior (old senior) test opportunity. In effect 14-15 year BMXers could have up to four opportunities to make selection and represent New Zealand in a test event. Test team selection for the away trip in June will take place on the Friday (Good Friday) prior to the Nationals at North Harbour. Mighty 11s selection: Mighty 11 selection is as per past selection process. Four moto rounds with the worst round per rider dropped. (Ref to flyer) Top five riders make up team based on overall points. Both male and female riders compete in this event. In addition to the mighty 11 Test selections there are two Female scholarships up for grabs. These would normally be awarded to the top performing 11-year girls assuming an application has been received. The away event will talk place at Maitland and Lake Macquarie racetracks, located in New Castle NSW. There is a UCI round planned for the second Saturday of this trip, this event will be action packed and worth the watch. Senior Test Selection 14-15yrs (Male): The selection event is open to all 14-15 UCI year riders, pre registration a requirement via the official entry form. Subject to numbers we may run both Male and female together however the ideal is to run separate class events. Selection will be via three final motos with three qualifying rounds to make the finals. (Same as superclass rounds) The top two 14 and 15 year male riders will make the cut. Female Selection 13-15yrs: Female selection for the two position available will be via the same format of racing however the top two riders regardless of age will make the cut. Note that the age range is 13-15 years (UCI) for female selection. This will make for some action packed racing on selection day and provide opportunity for non Junior develop riders to shine or be noticed. Junior Development Squad – up date: Things are progressing well with our newly formed junior development squad members. The group have now met twice for training workshops. The first session was to familiarise riders with the programme before them, and to do skill and fitness testing. As a result of the first workshop testing the foundation for personal training plans were formed. The second workshop held on the 10th of February was more around skill development and one on one feedback via either Richard or Grant. The next get together will be two weeks out from the Nationals event and will deal with pre race preparation and race strategy. For the most part work with the squad is practical based with a strong focus on skill development. There are a number of support coaches that are working aside Richard and Grant as observers of this development programme. In time they will also be available to provide support and assistance to other riders in there personal BMX skill development. Coaches that have attended a level one coaching course should be equipped to also assist any rider that requires support. Junior Development selections: Our current squad consists of 14 members there are 8 males and 6 females. BMX NZ has an aim is to expand this group to as many as 20 moving forward. Age will run from 13-16 years of age, as it is current. How might I get selected? For the most part you will demonstrate outstanding skills via race meetings, best way to get noticed is to beat some of the current development squad members. Selectors will be watching throughout the year at race meetings as well at major events such as Nations and Island champs. Superclass events also provide insight into a rider’s ability, as these events tend to be very competitive. If you are really keen to be part of this development group moving forward you will first need to make the commitment to yourself. That said; make a point of having a chat with anyone of the selection panel. They are Richard McLaughlin, Philip Anderson, Grant White and Ian Mackie. At the end of this BMX season there will be at least three of the current junior squad moving on as a result of age transference. So be on your game, as we will be looking for replacements. Regards Philip Anderson. |
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