An all-Australian podium at the inaugural  Oceania BMX Freestyle Championships ©Gorak Photo/Oceania Cycling Confederation

Australia's Logan Martin has become the first Oceania BMX Freestyle Championships winner in Melbourne, coming out on top after a thrilling competition, with qualifying points for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games also on the line.

He was up against reigning world champion and compatriot Brandon Loupos, who was in great form having secured his first global crown at last month’s International Cycling Union (UCI) Urban Cycling World Championships in Chinese city Chengdu.

Qualifying at RampFest Indoor Skate Park was a nip-and-tuck affair, with the top three separated by less than a point.  

Jake Wallwork completed the Australian dominance, leading the way on 90.8 points, just ahead of Martin on 90.67 and Loupos in third on 90.2.

But Martin stepped up in the final in both runs, including tricks such as the 1080, flip double whip, 540-flair and 360 tail whip transfer. 

"The contest was amazing today - the course at RampFest is super-fast, with lots of airs," Martin said.

"You get gassed out really quickly so I'm stoked to take the win.

There were incredible BMX skills on show in Melbourne ©Gorak Photo/Oceania Cycling Confederation
There were incredible BMX skills on show in Melbourne ©Gorak Photo/Oceania Cycling Confederation

"Everyone's riding was awesome - it was really close all the way to the end.

"I definitely wasn’t sure I'd done enough until my name was called out."

Loupos looked to be in control after a score of 93 in his opening run, but a heavy crash inside the final 15 seconds ended any chance of a gold.

"I'm really happy with my result today - Logan's run was amazing and I'm not disappointed with second at all," Loupos said.

"I'm stoked that we got the points today for Tokyo qualifying - it was a good day for the Aussie team, hopefully we can take that top spot back from the USA.

"Now I'm looking forward to nationals next week in QLD," said Loupos.

The inaugural women's crown went to world number nine Natalya Diehm, seeing Australia dominate the inaugural Oceania Championships.