BMX Australia press release

Queen of the Dirt, Caroline Buchanan has triumphed this evening at the Australian Cyclist of the Year Awards becoming the first BMX Australia athlete to receive the prestigious Oppy Award and only the third female in the history of the Award.

The Sir Hubert Opperman Trophy has been presented to the Australian Cyclist of the Year since 1958. The award is presented to the best all-round performing cyclist each year who also displays a high level of sportsmanship and is an ambassador for the sport of cycling.

Buchanan, a Dual World Champion this year in BMX and 4X (MTB) joins Australia’s elite of cycling, with the likes of Cadel Evans and last year’s winner Anna Meares.

It was a busy night for the Canberran also being named the SBS People Choice Cyclist of the Year and the Elite Female BMX Cyclist of the Year. In winning the People’s Choice Award, Buchanan said she was honoured to win the public’s vote.

“It’s such an honor to have won the People’s Choice Award. To everyone who voted, thank you; thank you to all of my supporters in Australia and to all my followers on social media.”

Caroline’s success in 2013 is mirrored across the sport of BMX which has seen membership grow 75% since the 2012 Olympic games in London.

“I hope what I have been able to achieve inspires the next generation of BMX riders and particularly females to be involved in what is great sport and show that no dream is to big and to set your goals high, dream big and don’t be afraid to break the mould!” Buchanan added.

• Sir Hubert Opperman Trophy – Caroline Buchanan
• SBS People’s Choice Cyclist of the Year – Caroline Buchanan

• Male BMX Cyclist – Sam Willoughby (SA)
• Female BMX Cyclist – Caroline Buchanan (ACT)
• Santini Junior Male BMX Cyclist – Aaron Nottle (WA)
• Santini Junior Female BMX Cyclists – Rachel Jones (NSW)