BMX racer takes on national championships

ELEVEN-year-old Charlie Moule competed in the 2023 AusCycling BMX Racing National Championships. 

The national championship was held in Shepparton from October 30 to November 5, with Charlie competing in two categories on the Friday and Saturday.

The competition included the best of the best BMX riders from across Australia, and Charlie was proud to be involved.

Competing in the U11 Challenge (20”), Charlie raced in three motos with the top 36 going through to quarter finals.

In an outstanding effort, he just missed out on the quarter finals, coming in at 40th.

The following day, he raced in the Cruiser 11-12 category and came in 23rd.

Coming up again world title holders, Charlie was initially nervous to be racing against such tough competition but had an amazing nationals experience. 

He is now hungry to keep going and has his sights set on more competitions to come. 

A year of race practice will have him ready for next year’s nationals, which is set to be held in Western Australia. 

He is also gearing up for the next big meet – Thunderdome – which will be held in Knox in December.

He will attend the Track Attack Series at the end of January and go along to watch the World Titles in Brisbane.

Charlie is looking to compete in the nationwide series while in Brisbane and may try his hand in the Queensland Titles. 

Charlie, a Wonthaggi local, races with the South Gippsland BMX Club.

He has been racing for two years and most recently competed in the State Title Championships in Knox at the end of September, ahead of the nationals. 

Training for these big events has required great dedication from Charlie and his family, who often travel to Casey, Franktson and Knox to practice on a proper BMX track.

Charlie’s passion for BMX racing encouraged his father Peter to also get involved.

Peter and fellow South Gippsland BMX Club member Chris Plumridge also competed at the nationals.

Peter raced in the 50-54 category and placed 20th, while Chris was featured in the 30-34 age group.

Overall, 908 riders raced on Friday, November 3, and 550 riders competed on Saturday, November 4.