Reade was aiming to compete in three cycling World Championships this year but an operation on her shoulder has put her on the sideline. Reade now misses the opportunity of claiming her third consecutive World BMX Championship title.
Out to take the top spot will be Olympic silver medallist, Laetita La Corguille (FRA). World bronze medallist, New Zealand’s Sarah Walker, will be favourite to win while Canada’s top rider, Samantha Cools, is expected to be hot on her heels. Showing top form recently is French rider, Eva Ailloud after an impressive third in the first round of the World Cup Supercross in April.
“The competitive level amongst the women has never been better,” said Lindstrom. “We can expect to see some heated battles for sure.”
It will be the junior men’s race though that will attract the local fans from Adelaide. Current World Junior Champion, Sam Willoughby from Adelaide could rewrite record books if he wins on Saturday. Willoughby could become the first rider ever to claim two World Junior titles. Willoughby will have to contend with strong American pair, national champion, Corben Sharrah (USA) and Denzel Stein (USA)
The junior women’s race also has two Aussie favourites with silver world medallist Lauren Reynolds out to make amends from missing a national title along with bronze world medallist, Rachel Bracken also in the mix. Defending World Junior Champion Manon Valentino from France is expected to put up some fierce opposition.
Australia’s Beijing Olympians, Luke Madill and Nicole Callisto, will return to international competition. Billy Jolliffe (Newcastle) could also be a strong chance after recent form saw him take the national title in Perth two months ago.
Construction has started on the indoor BMX track which will ne housed indoors at the Adelaide Showground. Olympic track builder, Tom Ritzenthauler, will construct the 310 metre long track in just five days.
Competition gets underway on Thursday 23rd July with the elite races on Saturday 25th July. Racing will continue on Sunday 26th July.
Pic: Red Bull
Four Olympic medallist have today confirmed they will compete at next week’s BMX World Championships in Adelaide. Headlining the field is current world champion and Olympic gold medallist, Maris Strombergs from Latvia. Olympic silver medallist, Mike Day (USA) and bronze medallist, Donny Robinson (USA) also today confirmed and a part of a strong American contingent. According to UCI BMX Sports Co-ordinator, Johan Lindstrom, “Maris Strombergs is the man to beat! He has shown great consistency throughout the season and wants to keep that jersey for another year.” In the record books only a few riders have back-to-back wins at the World Championships, explained Lindstrom. However the USA, French and Dutch teams have strong riders that will put up a challenge for Maris.
The women’s podium is wide open with the recent withdrawal of two- time World Champion, Shanaze Reade (UK).
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.