A large number of the world’s top BMX racers will gather in Abbotsford, BC Canada on 14 and 15 September for the first UCI BMX Supercross World Cup event ever held in Canada, the last event of this year’s Supercross World cup series and the first one leading up to Rio 2016, that only starts in 1422 days. The two-day event features the Time Trials and seeding runs on Friday the 14th and on Saturday 15th riders and fans will enjoy the action-packed BMX motos. This is the first UCI BMX Supercross World Cup ever held at the newly improved track at the Abbotsford BMX Club in Abbotsford, British Colombia. With significant improvements made by Elite Trax over the summer on the track, riders will face the challenging Supercross track that includes the Supercross start ramp. It is already destined to become a favorite SX track on the circuit.
45 Men and 17 women have signed up for the two-day event. Most of the entries are from the Northern America’s but also a large number of regular champions from around the globe will make their appearance. Missing are the Columbians and Latvians
who must be enjoying some down time after the Olympics.
Elite men Local favorite Tory Nyhaug (CAN) has something to prove on his home track. Nyhaug came back from a major surgery that saw his spleen removed a few months ago. He competed at the Olympics far from being in top form and he must now be looking for another podium result after winning the Canadian Nationals on this track recently.
Sam Willoughby (AUS) will also be keen on winning another World Cup event. Willoughby must be confident with winning the silver Olympic medal. American Connor Fields (USA), who leads the 2012 Supercross ranking is also one of the favorites for a podium place. Top 2012 rider Fields also must have something to prove after not ending up on the podium during this year’s Olympics. Also keep an eye out for Twan Van Gendt (NED), 8th in the Supercross ranking. Van Gendt is definitely on a roll with his strong performance at the Olympics and his recent win at the Red Bull R.Evolution event.
Elite Women Caroline Buchanan (AUS) is the obvious favorite for the overall 2012 Supercross title. Buchanan scored an impressive 2-1-2 this year so far and she must be keen to improve her Olympic performance. Magalie Pottier (FRA) is the current World Champ. She is trailing Buchanan with 100 points. She has a theoretical chance of grabbing the overall win. Experts expect Pottier to be on the podium.
Also look out for Felicia Stancil (USA), the current Junior World Champion. Considered by many to be the "next big thing" in women's BMX racing. Felicia has yet to show her potential on the BMX World Cup tour, but this could be her break through. Also expect Olympic Bronze medalist Laura Smulders (NED) to put in a strong performance. She must have had a huge confidence boost with her bronze medal at the Olympics. And last but not least, look out for Shanaze Reade. She is making a rare appearance on the World Cup again and for sure is looking to show everybody she is still a force to reckoned with. Pics by BdJ