At just 17, Aiden Van Bladel is about to take the biggest jump of his BMX racing career – all the way to Denmark.
Aiden, in his final year of school at Tullawong State High School, has been chosen to represent Australia in the BMX World Championships this July. His journey in the world of BMX is one that’s been nearly a decade in the making.
“I have been riding with my brother now for about 10 years,” Aiden said. “We have always wanted to do a world event like this. So, we thought this year we would just test our luck and enter into this draw to see if we could get picked. And surprisingly enough, we got selected to go to worlds, we got lucky!”
While the selection may have seemed easy, the dedication behind the scenes is quite a mission (well, for the average person anyway). Aiden trains multiple times a week — gym sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, plus track work at the Suncoast Hinterland BMX Club up the Sunshine Coast.
“It’s a good track with a big hill and quick gates. It’s good for all experience levels,” he said.
His BMX career hasn’t come without its scrapes and scratches — he broke his collarbone a few years back — but that hasn’t shaken his resolve, especially when it comes to international competition.
Eyes on the World Championships
The UCI BMX Racing World Championships will be held between 28 July and 3 August, and Aiden will compete in the 17–24 age group against some of the best riders in the world.
“It’s a bit nerve-wracking, but I’m excited,” he said about heading to Denmark. “Some of these riders have been doing it their whole lives. It’s a bit daunting, but I’ll give it my best.”
Aiden’s family will be making the trip with him, turning it into a full family adventure.
Coach Jayce Cunning, who Aiden considers as someone he very much looks up to, will also be in Denmark to offer support.
“I’ve known Jayce for seven years. He’s been there for a lot of my achievements,” Aiden said.
“He’ll be there to help get me through the worlds and hopefully, we come back with some awesome results.”
Looking beyond Denmark, Aiden has big goals, with a dream to race at the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane.
For now, though, he’s focused on the experience ahead and soaking up every moment of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. His advice to younger kids thinking of trying BMX?
“Just give it a shot. It’s fun. And definitely better than footy — fewer injuries too!” he said.
From local tracks to the world stage, Aiden’s journey is just getting started and Denmark is only the beginning.
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