‘I was consistent all weekend’ said Bearman who ten revealed he will be moving up to the Elite Men category for 2024 with the aim of ‘running with the big dogs’
What went right for you all weekend here?
Rico Bearman: “I was consistent all weekend and just getting a good gate in and going for the lap time each time and keeping lane one so got the job done again and super stoked.”
That first long straight how crucial is it to get into first bend in the lead?
“I mean it is important to always be in front but things can happen from behind as you’ve seen from yesterday but got it from the gate and got to the finish line with no issues this time and happy.”
There's a few more World Cups to go but next year your home country is going to host the World Cup. Can you keep this form going up going into that one?
“I’m going to step up to the big boys by then and hopefully run with the big dogs so we’ll see.”
In the Under 23 women category Veronika Sturiska (LAT) wrapped up a second win for the World Cup weekend in Papendal, holding off series leader Tessa Martinez (FRA) and Aiko Gommers (BEL) to work her way to second place in the series. The Latvian also revealed that she was battling injury earlier in the season but had recovered enough to aid her efforts for victory.
What is it about the course here that suits you so much?
“I don’t know. Here is really really speedy track and I liked it. I don't know fast legs I guess.”
What’s happened between Turkey and now for you to come back and get these two victories?
Veronika Sturiska: “Ok. Two weeks before Turkey I had an injury to my knee so that was a big problem but now I’m getting better and back to it and it’s awesome.”
How much confidence will this do for you going to Glasgow the World Championships in August?
“Glasgow is only juniors so there are less people in the group it is going to be more confident for me definitely.”
Elite Women racing saw Bethany Shriever (GBR) execute a perfect game plan, selecting an outside start gate all day long, putting together consistent laps before sticking with what had worked in the final race. The win also extended her overall lead in the series. Round three winner Saya Sakakibara (AUS) couldn’t take the win in round four and had to settle for second place with Alise Willoughby (USA) rounding out the podium.
‘I struggled mentally in round three’ said the reigning Olympic champion Shriever, ‘but I was able to turn it around today.’
Beth many congratulations - a third World Cup win but yesterday you didn’t make the final, how did you reset and come back to win today?
Bethany Shriever: “Yeah I think yesterday was a bit of a struggle mentally but I managed to switch it around today and I'm over the moon, absolutely over the moon, rode well all day, went in gate eight like the Worlds back in 2021 and here we are.”
You look like you’re in pain, how’s the body right now?
“Yeah my legs are hurting a bit. But I just want to say a shout out it's my boyfriend’s birthday Bryn, that was for you, love you lots.”
Listen Beth you’ve got a whole UCI World Championships coming up in Glasgow in the summer, how much confidence does this give you, three wins out of four going into that?
“Yeah obviously it gives me a lot of confidence, been training hard, racing fairly well, so no complaints - got to keep the mojo going.”
The last race of the weekend saw Joris Daudet (FRA) take advantage of an early lane selection to hold off Niek Kimmann (NED) in the first turn. Daudet was untouchable for the rest of the race leading in compatriot Sylvain Andre (FRA) who finished second with Mateo Carmona Garcia (COL) reaching his
first World Cup podium with third place on the day.
‘I wanted to come back and get stronger’ said the resident of Bordeaux, France and 5 time USABMX Pro Champion Daudet. The victory also moved Daudet up to second overall in the standings and moved him closer to leader Romain Mahieu (FRA).
What was the key to that victory today?
Joris Daudet: “Yes, it was a good lap, yesterday I had a bad day and I wanted to come back and get stronger today so I felt good all day and I was able to make a good move in the first turn and try to stay smooth on the track.”
What’s happening in French BMX right now?
“I guess we’re pretty good. Yes we’re such a good group and we really want to do the best every time so we push each other and that’s what we did today again."
The fifth round of the UCI BMX racing World Cup takes place in Sarrians, France on 23rd September 2023.
Women U23 results Round 4
1) Veronika Sturiska (LAT)
2) Tessa Martinez (FRA)
3) Aiko Gommers (BEL)
Men U23 results Round 4
1) Rico Bearman (NZL)
2) Yuichi Masuda (JPN)
3) Casper Pipers (NED)
Women Elite results Round 4
1) Bethany Shriever (GBR)
2) Saya Sakakibara (AUS)
3) Alise Willoughby (USA)
Men Elite results Round 4
1) Joris Daudet (FRA)
2) Sylvain André (FRA)
3) Mateo Carmona Garcia (COL)
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.