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with Matt“ Duck Man” Austin
Castle Hill BMX Club has been cruising along impressively over the past few seasons. When we last caught up with Trent Wilson in mid-2023, the club was navigating a transition period, with Trent then serving as Vice President and a new, enthusiastic committee stepping up to lead the club forward.
“ Stability has been the key,” Trent explained.“ We’ ve had the same committee for the last few years and that consistency has really helped.” Trent has since moved into the role of President and says the club has benefitted enormously from learning from longserving committee members who laid the
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Castle Hill BMX team ready for action. Credit Castle Hill BMX |
foundation for the club’ s ongoing success.
There was extra reason to celebrate recently, with long-term club member Annie Randell presented with Life Membership after 21 years of service.“ We’ ve got plenty of members who have been with the club for 10 to 20 years as well,” Trent added.
The club began in 1981 with a modest dirt track, and both the track and surrounding facilities have evolved many times since then. Today, Castle Hill BMX is fortunate to operate on a modern, polymer-surfaced track and contemporary amenities that are far removed from those early days.
More than 150 junior riders currently compete at the club, including a huge number of“ sprockets” – riders aged under seven who train and ride but don’ t yet race competitively. Around 100 young riders train each week.
Castle Hill BMX continues to punch well above its weight internationally. Over the past few years, five riders have represented the club at UCI World Championships, with several progressing to quarter-finals and semi-finals – a remarkable achievement on the global stage.
In recent overseas tournaments, between five and eight riders have represented the club, and with next year’ s
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UCI World Championships to be held in Brisbane in July, the club expects another strong contingent. Trent estimates between 50 and 60 Australians will compete.
Three riders from Castle Hill BMX are currently in the Australian development squad – further confirmation of the club’ s talent pipeline.
Most nights, between 40 and 70 riders train at the track across three sessions – under 7s, 8 – 12 years, and 13 +. Plenty of parents catch the BMX bug too, with many adults becoming increasingly involved in coaching, club operations and event support.
In October, Castle Hill BMX hosted the NSW State Championships across two exciting days, welcoming around 750 entries. It is extremely competitive to secure the event, so being selected is a real honour. The club also hosted a state round in February and has now lodged an application to host a national round in 2027.
BMX racing is booming nationally and internationally, with every national round now available to watch on SBS On Demand. Trent says it’ s not uncommon for people to message him after spotting local riders on screen. The sport also continues to build momentum globally, helped by its strong Olympic profile and huge
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Castle Hill BMX Kids in Action. Credit Renee Rowland participation in countries such as France, the United States, England and Colombia.
The club recently held its 2025 presentation evening, with awards including Junior Rider of the Year( Oliver Hallett), Youth Rider of the Year( Finley Power), Senior Rider of the Year( Jono Treacy), and Rider’ s Rider, awarded to Scarlett Wilson.
It’ s been an outstanding year for Castle Hill BMX, and with participation, coaching and international results rising, the club is well-placed for an even brighter 2026.
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