Rossi has big plans

Rossi Johnson is peddling his passion for BMX riding from his hometown in Victoria to Broome, with the hope of attracting other local riders.

The 12-year-old BMX rider has been competing in club, State and national events since he was five.

He has won numerous club championships and boasts a fifth place finish in the Tasmanian titles and 16th in nationals.

After living in Broome for two years, Rossi is ready to put his wheels back in motion.

However, he has faced a bit of bad luck ahead of the first round of the BMX North West Super Series this weekend.

He was set to compete in the first of the three-round series at Karratha on Saturday, but broke his foot in a motocross race last weekend.

Determined to still compete, Rossi hopes to be back on his feet for the last round in Port Hedland in September, and has plans to race in the State titles later in the year.

The competitions involve travelling across the State and Rossi wants to attract other local riders to travel and compete with him.

Attracting a group of dedicated local competitors will not only permit riders to network and share their passion, it will also allow families to share travelling and accommodation costs.

Rossi has secured a sponsorship with Broome Cycles, which supports him and his father Tom's aim to drive local interest.

The pair hope to attract enough local interest to eventually have a dedicated BMX track built in the town.

Rossi said he was inspired by BMX idol Sam Willoughby and world number one Caroline Buchanan, who gave the youngster riding advice when she hosted a training session in Victoria a few years ago.

"It would be good to be like them one day," he said.

"I'm nervous about competing but I have done heaps of State and national events and I'll be trying really hard."