With a bike-length gap opened up, Robinson had to hope Willoughby made an error on the highly technical third straight if he had any shot at grabbing the lead. But the Australian was smooth and in control, throwing up his arm in elation as he won his first Supercross World Cup event. “I’m really excited with this win! It’s the right end to a perfect day I guess,” said the charismatic Willoughby. “I had Lane 2 in my first heat, but won that and held Lane 1 for the rest of the day which proved decisive.”
Robinson was full of praise for Willoughby, but felt that the inside lane was undoubtedly a factor in the final result.
“Sam is improving all the time. He’s a real talent and so consistent. I would have loved to have had Lane 1 for the final, but he made the most of it and he never made a single mistake. I planned to run at him in the third straight, but he was flawless through there.” Van den Wildenberg was thrilled with third place.
“This is my first ever podium in a World Cup, so I’m very happy,” smiled the Dutchman. “I over-jumped the first jump which threw my rhythm out a bit and from there I just followed Donny’s line and held my position.”
An enthusiastic crowd of more than 1000 watched the event, the first of its kind in Africa and a precursor to the 2010 UCI BMX World Championships, which will also be held in Pietermaritzburg next July.
Pietermaritzburg UCI BMX World Cup Saturday 22 August 2009 Men’s final:
1 Sam Willoughby (AUS)
2 Donny Robinson (USA)
3 Rob van den Wildenberg (NED)
4 Quentin Caleyron (FRA)
5 Raymon van der Biezen (NED)
6 Nicholas Long (USA)
7 Ramiro Marino (ARG)
8 Martijn Scherpen (NED)
Pics by Lloyd Ramsay
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.