Sam Willoughby in front of the Velodrome

Aug 20, 2011

Written by Bart de Jong

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Willoughby and Pottier win Superfinal Time Trials at UCI BMX Supercross World Cup London Olympic Park 19 August 2011 – On the first day of racing at the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup series presented by Swatch in London BMX star, Sam Willougby (AUS), won the Elite Men’s time trial. Magalie Pottier (FRA) did the same thing in the Elite Women’s competition. The sun came out for the debut of this unique Olympic BMX track after torrential rain caused yesterdays practice to be delayed. Unique features on course at the second turn include the radical ‘Oakley Underground’, a tunnel where the women drop in and pop out on the other end while the men have to master the exciting Red Bull jump.

In the very early hours of morning on the track builders and LOCOG teams bought the track back to life after yesterdays rain. With the sun out in full force the track recovered quickly and practice got underway at 11am.

The best 16 time trial riders in the men’s and ladies qualified for the Superfinal. Sam Willoughby rode the perfect race. He found all the good lines and his smooth style almost make it look easy. The Australian made no mistakes and with his time of 42.625 he bumped the current world champion Joris Daudet (FRA), out of the hot seat to take the top spot.

Willoughby, who had his last podium finish in a Supercross race in Chula Vista in 2010, was thrilled. He said: “It was my first time winning a Superfinal Time Trial. I really enjoyed that. I found the right lines and managed to get the win. I am excited for tomorrow.”

Magalie Pottier, who recently won the bronze medal at the UCI World Championships in Copenhagen, proved that she is in great form. The Chesterfield hot seat suited her well and she remained in that seat to claim victory.

Pottier said, “I just wanted to do my best. It is just a time trial, but I want to win. The race is tomorrow, but this helps me with my trust of the track.”

Out of 126 entries 64 Elite men qualified for the finals. Tomorrow they will race against each other in eight heats of eight riders over three mottos. The best four of each heat will qualify for the next round of 1/8 finals. The elite women were brought down to 32 advancing to the next phase of qualification.