'All I have to do is just perform': Oli Moran shifts into title defence mode after impressive National Series win

Could a big break lead to a second consecutive elite men national title for Oli Moran at the 2025 GWM BMX Racing National Championships? He's about to find out.

The 23-year-old extended his time off from one month to nearly two following racing at the 2025 UCI BMX Racing World Championships in early August, but you wouldn't have guessed it by his speed around Macarthur BMX Club for the final round of the 2025 AusCycling BMX Racing National Series.

Moran enjoyed a dominant Tuesday, winning all five of his rides, while setting his fastest lap of the day in the final.

That feat was one the Forster product turned Sydneysider was most proud of as he embarks on defending his national title this Friday against a deep elite men's start list.

"My goal coming into today was executing when I needed to execute," Moran said.

"So, doing close to one of best times in the final and I'm happy that I did that.

"I had a bit of a longer break after the World Championships than I planned, so, I haven't had the longest prep but it is nice to know that my times are back down to where they were and back on the pace.

"I originally planned to just have a month off and it ended up being nearly two months. I was riding a little in the second month, just having fun.

"But I've taken training a little more serious in the last month and it shows that with a bit of work, I'm back to where I was."

Moran picked up the New South Wales state title last weekend at Castle Hill BMX Club, showing he's back on form quickly and back winning.

"I had state titles last weekend and ended up winning, but I didn't necessarily do my best in the final, which I felt wasn't a win for the day because I didn't achieve my focus," Moran said.

"To be able to do that today going into Friday is a reminder that I can do it when I need to do it and I'm feeling good.

"This track (Macarthur) is not too technical compared to other tracks, such as Sleeman (Brisbane SX International BMX Centre) ... and I live half an hour from here. I train here every Thursday and this is the track I do all my prep and everything.

"I'm comfortable on it, ridden it a million times, all I have to do is just perform."

Feature picture: Get Snapt