Sam Willoughby missed a connecting flight and his bags were lost for several days. Lauren, Melinda and Brian's bikes were also lost. It is becoming very obvious seeing and feeling the tension building as the Olympics countdown is closing in. Not only are riders trying to qualify themselves for their own country Olympic selections but countries are still trying to either stay or get into the top ranking nations to send the maximum number of athletes to the Olympics. Pressure! After this past weekend in Papendal, Australia is still on top of the Nations rankings and are looking at sending 3 men and 2 women to London.The Holland track has undergone a few changes since the World Cup here last year. I really enjoyed the track it was more technical, faster and better for racing. The wind on the day of the times trials made riding pretty scary and unpredictable. I had a safe first run qualifying in 1st position. I knew for the time trial super final that all the girls would shave off some time and pull out some good laps. I gave it my all and had the smoothest lap possible in the windy conditions coming across the line with a winning time of 39.236 seconds.
Day of racing was sunny weather and less windy, I felt good after winning my third consecutive time trial and was looking forward to putting it all together in racing. Seeding put France's Laetitia le Corguille and Magalie Pottier in my heat so I knew times were going to be quick and all three of us made it through the semi and into the final. Unfortunately for Australia, Melinda McLeod didn’t make it out of motos and Lauren Reynolds out of semis. Competition is so strong and cut throat now. The finals for men and women had 16 riders from 13 countries…competition is tougher than ever! I knew for the final that I would have to ride a smart race my goal was to win but win from the start. I was leading down the first straight when Alise Post USA jumped the triple jump going into the first corner and cleared the pack. I tried chasing her down but came across the line in 2nd position silver.
Overall I am very happy with my progressions and consistency this year. Next stop London for a few days of training and onto World Championships on an indoor track in Birmingham.
-Caroline Buchanan
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.