'I feel ready to put up a fight and see if I can back up this title': Sienna Pal scores National Series win to start Nationals week

Sienna Pal's elite women's national title defence mindset has received a strong confidence boost after a flawless day at Round 7 of the 2025 AusCycling BMX Racing National Series.

The 20-year-old raced around Macarthur BMX Club looking powerful, fast and in control to win Superclass Women without dropping a lap to friendly rival Teya Rufus.

New Superclass champion Rufus had already wrapped up the title in the previous round but put up a genuine fight to Pal in the final, finishing right on her back wheel and providing an appetiser for what's to come on Friday and Saturday.

Post-race, Pal said she was "really happy" with her day.

"I don't usually do the National Series rounds before the National Championships because I put all my focus on Nationals, but I wanted to use this day as a test to see how much I back myself in what training I've done," she said.

"I feel like I executed that pretty well today.

"I wanted to prove to myself that I can just do my best laps and I wanted to stay consistent – I feel like I did that really well, so I'm confident, or just comfortable coming into Friday and Saturday.

"I know what to expect now with myself and I'll try keep getting better throughout the week."

While contending with Rufus and Bella May is a major piece of Pal's national championship defence puzzle, the biggest is battling with Olympic champion Saya Sakakibara.

"I think I'm more excited than ever having this stacked class," she said.

"Obviously a win would be really, really cool, but if I just do my best and whatever results comes out of that ... I just want to see me be consistent and strong out there.

"I feel ready to put up a fight and see if I can back up this title."

Feature picture: Get Snapt