A GROUP of 26 BMX riders from around the state will head to Shepparton, Victoria, this weekend for the national BMX Championships.
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About 1400 riders are expected to take part in the nationals competing in different categories.
Thirteen riders from Wynyard, seven from Launceston and six from Southern City BMX clubs make up a strong Tasmanian contingent.
"It has been years since Tasmania has been represented at the nationals with such a high volume of riders participating," BMXT secretary Louise Ellis said.
"Southern City's veteran, Graham Rogers, is the oldest of the Tasmanian competitors taking part in the 50+ men's category.
"The youngest team member is three-year-old Kaster Gibney, of Wynyard, who will try his skills in the newly formed mini-wheeler class, specifically for 2-4-year-olds on balance bikes.
"It's great to see we have five female entries this year."
Ellis said all of the riders were in the running to qualify to race at the world titles to be held in the Netherlands in a few months' time.
Launceston competitor Patrick O'Callaghan is returning to the national championships after a break of 19 years.
The 50-year-old rider said he was looking forward to travelling to the mainland to compete.
"I came back to the sport about four years ago after giving it away in 1996," he said.