Merel Smulders, Niels Bensink and Manon Veenstra competing at Red Bull UCI Pump Track World Championships this Sunday
Pump track has been under the UCI flag since 2019. This means that the winner of this weekend can wear the well-known rainbow jersey for a year. Pump tracks are becoming increasingly popular and are popping up like mushrooms, there are already 39 tracks in the Netherlands. A month ago, the riders were able to qualify for the World Championships during the preliminary round in Eindhoven. Here, among others, well-known BMX star Merel Smulders has managed to get a ticket to Portugal.
The World Championship
This year's World Championship is in the town of Parque das Naçõe in Lisbon. Participants from more than 25 different countries participate in this. The competition starts with the preliminary rounds, from which the 16 fastest riders follow, who will compete against each other in the knock-outs. In the end, the best two remain and they face each other in the final. During the final, it is determined who can ride in the rainbow jersey for a year.
Winners Dutch qualifiers
The best 4 riders of the Dutch qualifier of both men and women have qualified for the World Championship. This year Olympic medalist Merel Smulders came first in the women's competition and Frenchman Eddy Clerté in the men's race. Last year Niels Bensink took the first prize. He won with his girlfriend Drew Mechielsen, who also took first place. In 2020, a wildcard was awarded to Manon Veenstra. Due to the Corona measures last year, the 2020 World Championship was canceled and the
Name: Manon Veenstra
Sponsors: ProStart, Enjoy the Ride, CXP, Autoservice alteveer, Crossfit RFL, Fyzio Totaal.
Mechanic: Dylan Schuurman
How do you like the looks of your current RIFT bike?
Manon Veenstra: I love it! While I am writing this I am actually on the plane on my way home where my new frame will be waiting for me! So these photo’s are litteraly hot off the press. I love the Ferrari red but not much beats a slick all black frame!
Is it a challenge each year to get a good racing bike together for the new season?
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.