BENDIGO Dragons BMX Club has returned from the national championships in Shepparton with a bunch of Australian plates.
Twelve of the clubs riders did battle against riders from across Australia, with several earning placings.
More than 1500 riders took part at the championships across four days, representing 99 clubs.
Jaclyn Wilson was the undoubted star for Bendigo Dragons, securing three national championships in the 20 inch 30-plus women's masters, 20 inch 40-44 women's and women's cruiser.
An exceptional team performance included a second place for one of the team's youngest riders Sammy O'Grady in the 12-year-old boys' 20-inch and third place for Brock Tuckerman in the 20-inch men's 30-plus masters.
Marcus Walker continued the strong results with a fifth in the boys'14 cruiser, while Ryan Bice was eighth in the 20-inch men's 25-29.
The nationals were a thrilling and ultimate rewarding event for Bice, who was competing at his first national championships against 25 riders, and captured an Australian plate.
After injuring himself in the lead-up to the championships, he was able to reflect on a successful return to the sport
"I rode BMX for 15 years and the had nine years off, but have been back on the bike for 18 months," Bice said.
"I broke my collarbone before Christmas, so really it's only been five months back on the bike.
"It was unreal to finish eighth and a real eye-opener. (BMX Australia) put on a fair show with about 1500 riders across the four days."
Bice said the performances of the club's young riders was a highlight for all at the club.
"Sammy O'Grady came second in Australia and he had a massive class - he had quarter finals and 60-odd riders to contend with. That's a huge effort," he said.
"Jaclyn obviously did well, Brock (Tuckerman) rode awesome to finish third and Marcus Walker finished fifth on his cruiser.
"It was a really good couple of days for our club."
Bendigo Dragons BMX club secretary Sally Holm praised the strong results, which have come at an exciting phase in the club's development.
"All riders train weekly at our local Bendigo track on Tuesday nights," she said.
"The club has undergone a recent track upgrade and is currently having new club rooms built.
"The club is run by volunteers, we are the process of building up our club with a recent name change too."
A 12-member team included Ava Fenton, Brad Hastings, Matt White, Adam Aherne, Sammy Aherne, Kailen O'Grady, and Shaun Collins.
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