9 April 2026: Riders from across the Sunshine Coast will be represented on the national stage next week, with Gympie’s Cooloola BMX Club sending one of its largest-ever teams to the 2026 UCI National BMX Championships in Victoria.
The four-day event, held in Shepparton from 15–18 April, will see riders from across Australia compete for national titles and qualification points for the UCI World Championships, which will be held in Brisbane this July.
For the Cooloola club, the size and diversity of the team reflects both the strength of the local program and the growing momentum of BMX racing across the Sunshine Coast – with riders aged from just four through to 55.
The strong turnout has also been driven by the unique opportunity to qualify for a world championship event on home soil, providing extra motivation for riders across all age groups.
“To have 32 riders heading to nationals – from four-year-olds right through to riders in their 50s – is something we’re incredibly proud of,” said Cooloola BMX Club President, Kirstin McBride.
“There’s a real buzz around the club at the moment, especially with the chance to qualify for world championships in Brisbane. The kids can see what’s possible – particularly after Archer’s result – and they’re all stepping up.”
With BMX firmly established as an Olympic sport and Brisbane set to host the Games in 2032, competitions like this play a critical role in developing the next generation of elite riders, with regional clubs increasingly forming part of that pathway.
Among those inspiring the next generation is Cooloola rider Archer Zwoerner, who placed second overall at last year’s World Championships in Denmark at just eight years of age – a result that has motivated many younger club members to aim for the international stage.
The team spans a range of age groups and experience levels, with several riders aiming to build on strong recent performances and secure qualification for the Brisbane event.
The group will undertake final preparations this week, with a team training session and send-off at Cooloola BMX Club in Gympie ahead of departure.
With strong community support behind them, the club continues to demonstrate the depth of talent emerging from across the Sunshine Coast and regional Queensland.
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