Renowned for testing riders’ endurance, the expansive track is at contrast with the tight course raced recently in Manchester, with the long first straight perhaps opening up the possibility of a lane eight, double dice selection.
Known for the unpredictable weather, racing is often influenced by the conditions, as was the case in 2014 when heavy rain caused delays and hazardous conditions. However given the torrential rain at the Subaru BMX National Championships last week, the Australian riders should be adequately prepared.
Buchanan will be looking to continue her exceptional form in Papendal, and will attempt to make it three wins in three weeks after taking out the first round in Manchester and claiming the elite women’s Australian title last weekend.
“I’m hoping to make it three wins from three, but it's a big call as the world competition is so strong right now," Buchanan said. “A year out from the Olympic Games all the counties are on their game.”
It has been a particularly gruelling period for the elite Australian riders, only emphasised by the travel back and forth from Australia to Europe, with planning and preparation now playing a critical role in determining the chances of success.
“My pre-season physical and mental training has been critical in preparing for this years World Cup season,” Buchanan said. "In the space of twenty days I would have raced four major races, including two world cups, the Oceania and National Championships, been in four time zones, three countries, had six and half days of travel time in the air and one hell of a ride. My 2015 season was planned out eight months ago, with strategic breaks and resets and strategies put in place to deal with the work load, pressure and expectation.”
The elite men’s field will once again read like a who’s who of world BMX as Willoughby attempts to defend his race win against Liam Phillips and two-time Olympic gold medallist Maris Strombergs.
Recently crowned Australia champion Corey Frieswyk will also be taking his talents to Papendal, where the kid from Mackay will be hoping to place his name firmly in the minds of the world’s best.
BMX Australia has once again played a vital role in helping provide riders from the Development Academy with support to attend the event, while academy coach Luke Madill will again be attending with the riders.
Other Aussie riders set to compete in the elite men’s division will be Anthony Dean, Bodi Turner, Josh Callan, Blake Moore, Kai Sakakibara and Tristyn Kronk.
While joining Buchanan in the elite women will be Lauren Reynolds, Rachel Jones, Kirsten Dellar and Harriet Burbidge-Smith.
Flying the Aussie flag for the junior elite men will be recently crowned Australian champion Brandon Te Hiko in what will be his first World Cup event.
Make sure you follow all the action via live stream on our website or at bmxlive.tv
Qualification will begin on Saturday May 9 at 10pm EST, the Time Trial Superfinals will begin on Sunday May 10 at 12.30am EST, and main event racing gets underway on Sunday May 10 at 9.05pm EST.
Buchanan primed for success as large Aussie contingent heads to Papendal
May 08, 2015
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The international BMX circuit continues this weekend, as the best riders on the planet descend on the outdoor Olympic Training Centre in Papendal, Netherlands for the second round of the 2015 UCI BMX Supercross World Cup series. Australia will be represented by 14 of our best riders, spearhead by reigning world champion Sam Willoughby who won a thrilling race last year, and an in form Caroline Buchanan who is the defending time trialist in Papendal.
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