Eli Schroeder loves racing on his BMX and flying high over jumps.
In three years of racing there have been bruises and scrapes but no broken bones. The eight-year-old has proven he can mix it with the best, and next week will travel to Baku, Azerbaijan to compete in the World BMX Championships.
He’s excited about competing against the world’s best and trying out a new track in five days of racing from June 5.
“The track in Baku has a lot of flat sections. It’s a more flowing track than what I’ve been riding lately,” Eli said.
“I will have two days of practice sessions before the racing starts.”
The Winmalee youngster is part of a 100-strong Australian team taking part in the championships.
He qualified after second placings at the Australian BMX National Championships and Oceania Championships in Bunbury, Western Australia in March.
Racing in eight boys class, Eli rides a lightweight but strong Catalyst BMX, with the frame, forks and handle bars all made from titanium.
He also leads the field in the six-race National Series competition, with a win at the Penrith round and a second place at the Frankston, Victoria round. And half way through the six-race NSW State Series competition, he is also leading the pack.
Always chasing a need for speed, Eli’s home club is Blue Mountains BMX in Lawson, but he said the Macarthur track was his favourite.
“At the Macarthur track I really like that you can get a lot of speed in the first corner,” he said.
When he’s not racing BMX Eli enjoys a social mountain bike ride with his dad, Ian. The Blue Gum Swamp loop in Winmalee is a popular choice.
