2024 UCI Pump Track World Championships Qualifier New Zealand

Sep 04, 2024

Written by Bart de Jong

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What a day at Havelock North! The New Zealand Qualifier brought the heat, with riders pushing the limits and spectators on the edge of their seats. The energy was high, the competition fierce, and the passion for pump track racing was unmistakable. We were especially thrilled to see more women riders joining the action, showing that the love for pump track is stronger than ever!

It was a dry, slightly windy day with temperatures around 20 degrees, and the atmosphere was buzzing. The men’s race saw Australia’s Josh Jolly, the 2024 UCI Men’s Junior Elite BMX World Champ, dominate the track. His smooth flow set the fastest times all day, leading him to victory in a tight final.

He edged out New Zealand’s Dan Butterworth by less than half a second in an epic battle between MTB and BMX. Despite his consistent top-4 finishes over the past four years, Dan once again just missed out on claiming the top spot.

In the women’s race, Shania Rawson secured her third victory in the qualifiers since 2018. She was challenged by up-and-coming rider Cassien Lewis from Christchurch, who pushed her way into the finals after qualifying fourth. Shania held her ground in an all-MTB showdown, winning by just over a second.

Men’s Results:
1. Josh Jolly (AUS) - BMX - 15.54
2. Dan Butterworth (NZ) - MTB - 16.01
3. Nick Cowie (NZ) - BMX - 16.59
4. Mark Gilbert (NZ) - MTB - 17.27

Women’s Results:
1. Shania Rawson (NZ) - MTB - 17.98
2. Cassien Lewis (NZ) - MTB - 18.92
3.Holly Oldham (NZ) - BMX - 18.76
4. Caitlin Georganta (NZ) - BMX - 19.58

Congratulations to all the riders! The journey doesn’t end here—get ready to bring your A-game to the World Finals in Durban, South Africa!
The world’s best will converge on this epic stage, and we can’t wait to see who will rise to the challenge and claim the ultimate glory. See you in Durban!