BMX: Three age-group world titles for NZ

New Zealand BMX has three more world champions after the first day of the age group Challenge classes at the world championships in South Africa.

The New Zealanders won three titles and had three further podium placings from riders 13 years and under to finish equal with USA as the most successful nation on day one at Pietmaritzburg.

North Harbour's Rico Bearman (boys seven years) and Rangiora's Tahlia Hansen repeated their successes from the world championships in Adelaide last year.

Rotorua's Lachlan Stevens-McNabb won the boys' under seven years title.

New Zealand also picked up a silver in the 13 years girls class, Abigail Fox (Gisborne) finishing second behind Hansen.

Jessie Smith (Gisborne) took second and Mikayla Bearman third behind South Africa's Georgina Grassie in the nine years girls' class.