A STRONG representation of 23 Tamworth City BMX Club riders are currently in Sydney, using this week to prepare for the 2002 NSW BMX State Championships over the October long weekend.
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The championships, to be hosted by Liverpool City BMX, have attracted a total of 680 entries from a wide area.
Tamworth boasts four current State champions ready to do battle over the two days.
They include Tamworth's Garrett Doughty (in 9yrs), Manilla's Emma Sonerson (14yrs), Uralla's Kelly Valencius (A ladies) and Tamworth's Ben Clark (AA men).
Doughty has been in devastating form, blowing away his opposition at recent open events, spokeswoman Leone Clark said.
"Emma has not only been burning up the BMX tracks lately but has also met with success in road cycling over the winter season.
" And she's looking good to repeat last year's win," Clark said.
"Kelly took out the open ladies class at the recent Orange Blossom Open in Castle Hill.
"This year she'll step up to the A ladies class for the championships.
"She's a determined young lady and has the ability to mix it with the best to retain her State title."
Ben Clark, current State champion in the A Pro class, has progressed to the AA men for this year's assault on the championships.
After a hectic year of racing, Clark is really looking forward to mixing it with the big guys.
All four riders were also part of the successful northern regional team last year and once again they'll be strong contenders for the regional trophy.
The youngest local representative is Caleb Doughty who will contest the 7-year sprocket class.
Big brother Kayne has hit form recently and will contest the 11-year boys.
Making up the Tamworth team is Brock Lockwood and Lachlan Green (in 12yr and 11-12yr cruiser), Jason McCluand (13yr), Tara Valencius (14yrs), Adam R Clark (13yrs and 13-14yrs cruiser), Adam P Clark and Chris Lockwood (15yrs), Brad Valencius (17yrs), Grahame Steed (19-24 men), Jason Mihell (25-29 men), Billy Jolliffe and Fraser Emery (A Pro), Melissa Jolliffe (AA ladies), David Nicholls and Tony Green (40-44yrs), Mark Stones (30-34 cruiser), Andy Sonerson (45-plus cruiser).
