Three-year-old Ky native Hurley Hoefnagels took part in the mini wheelers race for the Shepparton BMX Club, the event often attracting a big crowd due to the lure of watching toddlers race against one another.
In the race, which had participants no older than five years old, riders are on balance bikes and wear full biking gear, including a face helmet and gloves to ensure safety.
They only cover roughly a quarter of the track, which is minimal, and start on top of a tiny hill.
Each rider received a participation award at the end, with it not being that uncommon for children as young as Hurley to be racing, as mini wheelers take place all over Australia.
Hurley’s family is very much into BMX racing, with dad Matt having raced when he was younger, competing at state championships and nationals.
They often travel to Kyabram’s surrounds to find little pump tracks for Hurley to practice on, particularly as the town doesn’t have one.
“We’re just starting it, in terms of him participating in it and just getting used to it at such a young age because if it’s something he enjoys, and we enjoy as a family, it can take you to the Olympics, that’s amazing,” Hurley’s mum Tiffany said.
After using a balance bike in mini wheelers, the next step for Hurley will be riding on a pedal bike in the sprockets, once he is comfortable enough to do so.
There’s also, of course, a greater knowledge of BMX racing to be gained over time.
“When we raced the state series, Hurley didn’t quite understand. He’s only three. Let’s face it, they don’t completely understand the rules yet,” Tiffany said.
“He thought it was just a free for all and he forgot to stop at the start line, he just zoomed off and then all the other kids just followed and all the little mini wheelers let loose on the track and it was just funny.
“Everyone just laughs and it’s a good fun family thing to get into, and if he wants to he can continue it if he really enjoys it, which he does. As soon as he comes off the track he cries because he wants to go again.”
Mini wheelers are just a small part of the BMX National Championships, a major event that will have a total of 1400 riders across this week, ranging from entry-level participation to elite professional competition.
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