In a global first, Caroline Buchanan, the current world number one BMX rider, has created a young female team of Olympic hopefuls. The trio will be mentored and supported by Buchanan to compete at the Australian National Series and will culminate at the BMX World Championships in Belgium in July..
Mikayla Rose (ACT) is the eldest at 14 has her sights set on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. From western Sydney (NSW) is Paige Harding at just 11 years of age. Harding claimed fifth place at the 2014 World Championships and aims to improve on that this year in Belgium in July. The youngest and newest member to the team is 8 yr old Tayla Robertson from Shepparton (VIC). Robertson is a current national champion in her age group and is aiming for a podium at this year’s world championship.
“The idea of starting a team originated from a Canberra BMX bike shop,” explained Buchanan. “ That opened up my mind. I thought about where my passion is and that’s where the concept of a girls’ team all started. The Next Gen team sort of evolved from there.”
The Next Gen team initiative is mentored by Buchanan as she ushers in a new generation of BMX stars.
“Even the new BMX track proposed for Canberra and my new balance bikes for under five year olds are all ways of helping the next generation,” added Buchanan.
The Next Gen team will all head to the upcoming BMX World Championships in Belgium in July. Last year team members, Rose and Harding, finished in the top 10.
The Buchanan Next Gen team initiative is mentored by Buchanan a two time BMX World Champion and current winner of the BMX World Cup series. Buchanan also has three Mountain Bike World titles.
Buchanan hopes to reclaim her BMX World title this year and is also aiming to compete at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016.
New sponsors supporting the program, Jayco and On The Go have made it possible to expand the team and continue the initiative.
Sharon Payne
+61 (0)412 773500
Skype: sharonepayne
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