BMX riders on their way to the world
Photo: Megan Purnell
A nine-year-old BMX rider from Kelowna has won a national title.
Cohen Purnell beat 19 other riders in his age group at the 2023 BMX Canada Grand Nationals in Chilliwack earlier this month.
It was a big moment for the little rider, as the victory officially seals his ticket to the 2024 World Championship in Rock Hill, South Carolina next year.
His mother, Megan, says her son has worked very hard at home and at more than a dozen tracks around the Okanagan to improve his skills and speed leading up to the national championships.
“Cohen loves to compete. He also loves the social network within the sport and tries to show kindness to everyone. Although he is quiet, he will show up at the gate ready to go full throttle out of the gate. And then fist pump every driver and “be kind to everyone after every race,” Megan said.
There are five national qualifying races in a season and you have to take part in at least four of them to qualify for the national race in October. Total points for the year are added together from all national qualifying tournaments to determine a rider’s place on the podium at the end of the year.
Since the competition was open to both Canadians and Americans, Cohen ended up at No. 1 in the rankings, finishing second to an American, but still managing to secure the title as the best Canadian nine-year-old rider.
“It was pretty fun! I’ve only been cycling for two years, but I like how competitive it is. Next year I want to go to the World Championships in South Carolina, where I have already qualified,” said Cohen.
For Cohen and the Purnells, competing their way into the World Cup is only half the battle. The family would like to sign a sponsorship agreement during the next riding season to cover travel costs.
The World Cup begins on May 12, 2024 in South Carolina and runs until May 18.
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