Paris, Texas Pump Track Qualifier: Thank you very much, USA! It is always such a pleasure to come to Paris. You can never beat that Texas hospitality
In the Men's category, current World no 2 Alec Bob and previous World Champ Tommy Zula chased each other down all day long, lap for lap with Alec eventually laying down his fastest and winning time of 21.924 in the final run. Alec already punched his ticket at the Chile Qualifier, which means Tommy secures his trip to the World Champs.
In the Women’s category, it was Carly Kane day, and it is sure good to have her back after her crash at the UCI World Champs last year in Chile, her fastest time of the day of 25.317 in the semis.
Several riders had issues navigating the tough and technical Paris Texas Velosolutions Pump Track. It was not a wide open track as you could hear brakes squeaking in the tight switchbacks. In contrast to last weekend in Springdale, AR where the steep and tall banked turns could hold the riders on track a little more. Top 16 men were lead by fastest riders KJ Romero (4th), Grant Lampson (3), Alec Bob (2) and Amakye Andersen with the top spot.
In the quarter finals two riders stood out with sub 23 second mark for the first time of the day. Alec Bob and Amake Andersen were opposite on the bracket board which looked to put them both in the Big Finals but there was more racing to go.
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.