The Bunbury championships mark Launceston rider Patrick O’Callaghan’s seventh nationals, having risen to the rank of Australian no.1 in 1994.

O’Callaghan is expected to resume his friendly rivalry with Southern City’s Graham Rogers when he lines up in the 50-plus men’s and cruiser classes.

“I’ve never been to Bunbury before but I’m looking forward to the buzz of the event and competing against the top guys in Australia,” O’Callaghan said.

“It’s exciting because you don’t know who you’re riding up against but it should be a good turnout and some quick times.” 

The championships will also crown two new champions in the elite men’s and women’s competitions this year, with reigning champions Kai Sakakibara and Caroline Buchanan both non-starters.

Sakakibara has instead set his sights on preparing for the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup opener, while multiple Olympian Buchanan is recovering from injury.

Tasmania will contribute three of the 102 clubs taking part in the week-long event, which will wrap up on March 25.

O’Callaghan and Wynyard’s Tonn Haydon are the sole Northern Tasmanians entered, with the remainder hailing from Southern City.