The callout was made, and the riders showed.
Hundreds of people gathered at the Mackay BMX track last Thursday, but this was more than the Mackay and District (MAD) BMX Club’s weekly race night.
Brothers Connor and Aiden Parish, aged 15 and 13, are heading to France in July to compete in the UCI BMX World Championships and all race and raffle proceeds from the night were donated to the Parish family to help fund the trip.
In a huge turnout, 97 riders from all over the region registered on the night to help the cause.
Connor and Aiden recently competed in the Oceania BMX Championships in Brisbane where they qualified to represent Australia at the World Championships.
Connor has been racing BMX since the age of six and Aiden since the age of five and the boys say they’re either training or competing all week to prepare.
“A lot of trackwork, a bit of gym, as often as possible,” said Connor.
“We train Monday and Tuesday, then we do gates usually on Wednesday, then we do racing on Thursdays and Fridays,” added Aiden.
“It consumes our week,” laughed their father, Kai.
Parents Kai and Tammie say they’re blown away by the support of the club and local riders.
“The club is hugely supportive of everyone here at the club,” said Tammy.
“Because we’ve been here such a long time, they’re as excited as we are.”
MAD BMX Publicity Officer Michelle Tickle says it’s everyone’s dream to compete on the world stage.
“They’ve been long-time members of our club, they’ve met so many people over the years, and it’s wonderful to see everyone turn out to support them,” she said.
The family of four will head to France in July where the boys will compete alongside 3000 other riders from all over the world and hope to rub shoulders with some of their idols.
“I’m excited and terrified and everything all rolled into one,” said Tammy.
“I’m just hoping to get experience, I don’t think I’m going to get anything big,” said Aiden
“It’s a big achievement.”
L-R Aiden and Connor Parish will represent Australia in the UCI BMX World Championships in France in July
L-R Aiden, father Kai, mother Tammie and Connor will travel to France in July
97 riders turned up to support the family last Thursday night
The boys in action. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
