jam-packed but fans were also sitting on the walls around the venue trying to get a glimpse of the action. With 132 elite men and 34 elite women dropping down off the start gate for the Time Trial qualification rounds, the fans were not going to be disappointed. The top 16 women and top 16 men in the Time Trial qualification qualified for the Superfinal. In the elite women’s practice one of the favorites for the ladies race, Merle van Benthem of the Netherlands, took a fall and ruled herself out of contention with a broken right collarbone. Mariana Pajon (COL), Shanaze Reade (GBR), Eva Ailloud (FRA) and Laura Smulders (NED) all look smooth in practice as did the 2 American's Brook Crain and Arielle Martin.
Shanaze Reade, Eva Ailloud and Olympic Champion, Mariana Pajon qualified as the fasted three for the women’s Superfinal. It was Shanaze Reade that proved the fastest in a clinical display of power and speed as she took the win and her second UCI BMX Supercross Time Trial win of the year to add to her success in Manchester. Shanaze Reade said just after winning: “The track is awesome and to finish on top makes me really happy. And the fans here are absolutely amazing.”
Connor Fields fast on every track In the Elite Men's practice the South American countries of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador and Columbia all looked very impressive competing in front of their home fans. But it was all business as usual from the Netherlands, France, Australia and the USA. Liam Philips (GBR) winner in round one in Manchester, also looked focused and in control and hungry for another win.
Connor Fields (USA), Raymon van der Biezen (NED) and Jared Garcia (USA) took the top three spots qualifying for the Superfinals. Connor Fields once again proved just how fast he is on any track as he bounced out of the gate last as the fastest qualifier and never looked back taking the win in a time of 31.892 seconds ahead of 2nd placed Joris Daudet (FRA) and 3rd placed Sylvian Andre (FRA).
Connor Fields said just after his win: “I am pumped, super excited. This is my second time racing in South America and this is by far my favorite place to race.”
Look forward to finals on 12 May 2.30 pm. GSX Events director Johan Lindstrom added: "Santiago Del Estero and the local organizing committee is doing a great job and its great to see the excitement amongst the fans. We look forward to the finals on 12 May.”
Pics by Craig Dutton.
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.