The burgeoning fun of pump track racing hits Christchurch with the first official national championships this weekend.

Cycling New Zealand is partnering with Velosolutions for the UCI Pump Track National Championships at the new Nigel Mahan Pump Track by Velosolutions at the Bexley Reserve in Christchurch on Saturday.

The double-header weekend includes the UCI Pump Track World Championship Qualifier event on Sunday.

Around 80 riders will take part from under 10 years to over 50 years with several family groups competing.

There is international interest with the entry of Bailey Meares from Queensland, who won the Australian junior pump track title, and was on the podium in the elite competition and finished fourth in the overall at Crankworx in Queenstown earlier this year.

Others to watch include prominent BMX riders including North Canterbury’s Liam Goodwin, who finished on the podium in the under-23 category and fourth overall and multi-national champion Holly Oldham from Alexandra, was under-23 runner-up at the BMX Nationals.

In the age groups others to watch include BMX national champions Riley Smart and Skyla Hansen, both from North Canterbury.

“Pump is a core skill that is vital for BMX and MTB - and for any young kid learning to ride a bike, right through to world-class professionals,” said Velosolutions New Zealand Director, Craig Pattle.

“Pump Tracks are a great facility for communities for fun participation for everyone right to world class competition. We are excited to partner with Cycling New Zealand and for our national champions able to wear the national champion's sleeve.”

The event has qualifying to find the top eight riders in each category, before qualifying the fastest four for the Super Finals. The third and fourth fastest race head-to-head for third while the top two race for the title.

Racing is over seven grades for under-10 years, 10-12 years, 13-14 years and 15-16 years. The championship class is 17 years and above along with masters racing for 30 years and over and 50 years and over.

Racing is from 9am on Saturday and Sunday.

Caption: Australian Bailey Meares will add international flavour to the UCI Pump Track National Championships in Christchurch this weekend.

Event: www.cyclingnewzealand.nz/events-and-results/national-events/pump-track-national-championships