Volcanic Ash Problems Disrupt New Zealand BMX Team Plans

The Icelandic volcanic ash has disrupted the European plans of the BikeNZ BMX team.

The squad, including double world champion Sarah Walker, were to fly to Europe to take part in a special training camp with the Dutch national squad as part of their build-up for the upcoming World Cup in Denmark.

The squad made it as far as Los Angeles but no further, with head coach Ken Cools making some hasty new plans. He was able to secure training time at the US BMX Supercross training venue at Chula Vista in California.

They are awaiting advice on onward travel plans for Europe. Their initial itinerary had the squad competing in a Dutch national event at Heiloo next week, the European Championship round in Italy on 1-2 May and the UCI Supercross World Cup in Copenhagen on 7-8 May.

“It has thrown their plans into disarray a bit which is a shame. But Ken is making the most of it and with his contacts they are able to get training time on this great facility in Chula Vista,” said Mark Elliott, BikeNZ High Performance Director.

“From a training viewpoint it has not affected the riders, although there’s a lot of logistics taking a group of riders and equipment overseas that has presented some challenges.

“We are now awaiting advice on their onward travel plans and we hope they will still be able to take part in their competitions in Europe.”