junior elite class.
The elite women’s event provided the most thrilling action of the day; the title was decided over three hotly contested races. Buchanan was at the centre of the action as she and New Zealand’s Sarah Walker battled for victory in all three races, the latter claiming the Oceania title with a third and two first places to Buchanan’s a first and two seconds. Australian world number seven Lauren Reynolds rounded out the overall podium with two seconds and a third.
In the men’s elite event Australian Olympic aspirant Matthew Juster finished second to New Zealand’s world number 15 ranked Trent Jones, while fellow Aussie Corey Frieswyk stormed to third and Australia’s 2012 Olympic silver medallist Sam Willoughby came home fourth. Meanwhile Rio hopeful Bodi Turner crashed in the final, receiving medical attention post event for a suspected shoulder injury, the extent of which is yet to be confirmed.
Meanwhile Australia’s Olympic future in BMX is in safe hands, with 16-years world champion Saya Sakakibara taking out the Oceania title in the junior women’s event, winning the race in convincing style in her first attempt competing in the junior elite class. Australia’s Josh Boyton and Matthew White claimed second and third in the men’s junior class.
The international focus for Australia’s elite class competitors now turns to the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup, beginning with the first round in Santiago Del Estero, Argentina from March 25-27.
In the meantime the Australian domestic competition continues next weekend in Shepparton, Victoria (February 6-7) as rounds five and six of the BMX Australia National Series kick into gear.
Image credit: Darryl Carey