Cochrane BMX riders will be rubbing shoulders with some of the best in the country as they head to the 2016/2017 Canadian BMX Championships in Calgary this weekend.

The championships feature the top riders in Canada ranging from age 5 to around 40, the top eight riders from each age group will get an endplate which qualifies them for the World Championships in South Carolina next year.

Cochrane BMX Association President Brad Christensen says he's got high hopes for the Cochrane riders heading out.

"We'll be watching our own rides hopefully win some plates, there's 25 kids from our club that will be competing for sure, and we've got a couple good ones that have a good chance of bringing home and end plate." he says. "We've got some kids under 11 that are going to make some noise, I'm sure a couple of them are going to come home with some good finishes."

Christensen shares having the Canadian BMX Championships held nearby is a huge opportunity, as it is usually held in Quebec.

"Making a long trip out to Quebec usually doesn't happen, even if your child is one of the better riders in Alberta. Having it here I think every child will have a chance to compete, win or lose, they're gonna have chance to know what it feels like to race one of the best races of their career, this could be the biggest thing the kids ride in."

He adds having a home track advantage will definitely work in favour of Alberta riders.

The Canadian BMX Championships will be held Friday, Aug. 26 to Sunday Aug. 28 at the Calgary BMX Track.