In true Queensland spirit about 300 BMX riders and their families converged on the Bundaberg Region for the annual Canetoad Classic.
Riders as young as two, right up to 50 plus, stared down the start ramp as they waited for the gate to drop to take on some of the state’s best riders.
Bundaberg BMX Club president Matt Carmody said the long-running event captured the essence of the sport, with families of riders travelling down from far north Queensland and up from the border to take part.
“It’s absolutely awesome, we've had a great turn out,” he said.
“We’ve been really lucky with the sponsors; we’ve had a lot of support from a lot of the big local companies.”
Matt said the Canetoad Classic started in Bundaberg many years ago, and they were proud to have never missed a year of competition, which also helped boost the local economy.
“First of all, the amount of money this brings in for us is wonderful, it’s a good local spend for us here in Bundaberg with people spending at local cafes and restaurants and so forth,” he said.
“Also, for us to be able to test our skills against some of the best riders from all over Queensland who are chasing Australia and Queensland titles.
“One of the highlights everyone comes out to see is the Super Class Men, they are the last race of the day.”
Taking out the winning title in the Super Class Men, Corey Frieswyk was pleased to cross the line first, and although he currently competes for the Sunshine Coast and coaches there, he has his eyes set on the Bundaberg Region.
“I’m kind of from Bundaberg, as I’m moving here soon,” Corey said.
Corey has represented Australia in international competitions, and he said he looked forward to moving to the Bundaberg Region and would continue to follow his passion for the sport.
Father follows in son's footsteps with BMX riding
Bundaberg father-of-two Bruce Liston followed in his son’s footsteps and took up competing in BMX competitions after his young son Fletcher’s passion for the sport grew.
Bruce said they only joined the Bundaberg BMX Club last year, just as COVID-19 restrictions eased.
“The boys joined first, and I sat there watching them and thought wow, I have to get in there,” Bruce said.
“I’ve done a little bit of other cycling but never BMX before, and I really enjoy it – it’s lots of fun and a really good family sport.
“The way the whole family can get involved is just great.”
Ruth Begg’s entire family-of-five has a passion for BMX riding, and she said they travelled Queensland together competing.
“We’re from Brisbane and enjoy travelling many miles to compete – we were in Cairns last weekend,” Ruth said.
“I love coming to Bundy, I love the Canetoad Classic it’s one of the best and good fun.
“The Canetoad Classic is an iconic race in BMX.
“It’s a big draw card for the whole of Queensland.
“We all come here to race every year.
“It’s good fun, a great atmosphere and everybody in Bundy makes you feel very welcome.”
View the Canetoad Classic results here.
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