Lithgow’s Hayley Wolfenden finished on the podium at the recent BMX New South Wales titles and a few of her fellow Bathurst BMX club riders nailed outstanding results.
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But by the time racing has concluded on Sunday, four out of the seven riders who competed had qualified for their respective final, a number which exceeded expectations.
Wolfenden provided the highlight as she finished as the number two ranked rider in the 17-24 years female age group, but she was just as happy for her club-mates.
“I kind of expected us to come away with some state plates, I just didn’t know where the club would stand. The plates are for the top eight, which are the finalists,” she said.
“The Westmans did well. Greg went alright in masterclass, he was fifth, and Liam got fifth in 16 boys and Chelsie got fourth in 13 girls, so yeah, it was pretty good.
“It was a pretty good effort from the club really, it was awesome considering only seven competed.”
While Wolfenden and the Westmans reached their respective deciders on the back of strong rider in their motos and finals, the three other Bathurst BMX competitors had bright moments too.
Joel Goulding picked up a pair of seconds during his 17-24 men’s motos before running fifth in his semi-final.
Jett Robertson reached the 11 boys semi-final on Sunday after competing in the cruisers on Saturday, while younger brother Wyatt placed seventh in two of his eight boys motos.
The standard across the age groups was stiff, with Wolfenden finding herself riding in a combined field.
While she is a 25-29 years rider, she and some older age competitors were placed in the 17-24 years field.
“If you don’t have five or more riders in an age group, they combine the age groups and 17-24 is the pinnacle. I already knew I was getting combined,” Wolfenden said.
“It was as expected really, all the good riders were there, which obviously ups the game a little bit.”
Wolfenden placed first in each of her three motos to advance to the decider, where she meet another rider – Terrigal’s Clare McNamara – who had done the same.
Twelve months ago the pair both rode in the pro women’s class at state, with Wolfenden ranking 14th and McNamara first.
This time the Lithgow rider got closer, but could not quite spring an upset.
Wolfenden got away well from the gates, but McNamara soon worked to the lead and went on to win in 37.219 seconds. The Bathurst rider clocked a 38.017 run.
“She came third in pro this year and is defending pro from last year, so I’m sure she’s a pretty good rider,” Wolfenden laughed.
“She raced both pro and age this year. It was closeish in the final between us, I led her into the first turn, but then she just out rode me.
“She was just stronger and more aggressive. It just gives me things to work on.
“But yeah placing first in my motos then second, you’ve got to be happy with that don’t you?”