The inaugural Cook Islands Pump Track Nationals 2023 will be held this Saturday at The Rock Bike Park in Ngatangiia.

The event, organised by BMX enthusiast Tony Takurua, who designed and built the country’s first and only Pump Track, will feature three Kiwi riders.

The visiting riders, aged 17, 19, and 24 years old, are former New Zealand champions, said Takurua, a New Zealand-based Cook Islander.

“This will be the first Cook Islands Pump Track Nationals since we opened the track in August this year,” said Takurua.

“Basically, we time you for the fastest round the track. The competition is open to all ages as long as you can ride a pushbike.”

To give local riders a taste of what will take place during the Nationals this weekend, Takurua and his team are organising a practice session tomorrow (Thursday) at 3.30pm.

“The Kiwi boys will teach them how to get around it before the kids familiarise themselves on the track.”

Takurua said he had been to all schools on the island promoting the event and expects a good turnout on Thursday and Saturday.

“We have presented the competition poster to every school on the island and posted it on the Rarotonga community (Facebook) page alongside pictures of trophies that will be presented. It has got interest from the community,” he said.

Since the opening of The Rock Bike Park, Takurua said: “We have had nothing but positive remarks regarding the good for the kids. We have seen photos of lots of kids on the track, and it’s been awesome for the kids.”

“I think we need more of it on the island, not just in one area but we can have two or three of it around the island. We really need it to be at every school on the island. Raro is a small place, but to get a kid from Arorangi is a mission.”

Takurua said holding regular Pump Track competitions was one of the ideas behind building The Rock Bike Park.

“We wanted to build a full competition race track, which then gives the kids that experience to basically represent the Cook Islands at Commonwealth or Olympic games, but without the facility at home, you can’t do it.”

Takurua said they have brought 50 trophies to give to every kid competing at this Saturday’s event.

The Edgewater Resort has sponsored the accommodation and travel for the three Kiwi riders.

“If you haven’t got a push bike, come along, we will supply with a bike and helmet to race. We are fortunate enough to get support from BSP who have sponsored us some bikes.

“Come along on Thursday evening and basically register your name so on the day we can have everybody grouped in their age groups.

“It doesn’t matter how fast you are, it’s just about participation and having fun.”

The Cook Islands Pump Track Nationals 2023 will start at 11am. Entry is free.