Councillors to clash outside chambers

AN open BMX Victoria race meet at Ballarat Sebastopol Rush’s Marty Busch base will host an anticipated two-wheeled competition between a pair you mightn’t expect.

Before the official program launches at 10.45am this Sunday, 23 February, City of Ballarat mayor Cr Ben Taylor and former mayor Cr Des Hudson will have their own battle around the track.

Ballarat Sebastopol Rush BMX Club’s Danielle Pompe said the event at 10.30am will be a fun “race of the century.

“They had a bit of banter on social media after our track’s grand re-opening and I said, gentlemen, take it to the track. Let’s see who the better mayor is,” she laughed.

Cr Taylor said he’s looking forward to jumping back on a bike, having tested the track during its re-launch last year.

“This is a great initiative. Danielle roped us in after seeing my good form, so why not challenge the previous mayor who thought he was very good in the gear last time?” he said.

“It’s a bit of a face-off. It’s a great venue, a great sport and about everyone being involved. It’s a very inclusive club and sport.”

Hopeful about “not falling off,” Cr Hudson said the head-to-head will be entertaining.

“I expect the current mayor to be three or four lengths behind me,” he said.

“The club has done an amazing job, transforming the entire surface to what it is now, and with light towers about to be erected, it will give them even more capacity.

“For the young people of the local area to come and participate in what is a growing, Olympic sport, it’s absolutely fantastic. It’ll be a great event.”

Throughout the rest of the day’s racing, athletes from across Victoria and the country will test their talents on the high-quality Sic Surface, through three motos, semi-finals and finals.

“We’ve got world title holders riding as well,” Mrs Pompe said. “We’ve got Ballarat’s own Josh Jolly, he’ll be riding. All of our kids, including new kids that have just signed up, they’ll be racing.”

Find the Ballarat Sebastopol Rush BMX Club track at Marty Busch Reserve. Enter via Darling Street or Burnett Street, Sebastopol.