Australian BMX stars Caroline Buchanan and Sam Willoughby post fast heats, well set for semi-finals

AUSTRALIA’S top-ranked male and female BMX riders, Caroline Buchanan and Sam Willoughby, have qualified in the top three ahead of Friday’s semi-finals.

Caroline Buchanan qualified fastest in the women’s BMX competition.

AUSTRALIA’S top-ranked male and female BMX riders have qualified in the top three in Rio today ahead of tomorrow’s semi-finals.

Caroline Buchanan was second fastest and Sam Willoughby third fastest while their teammates also posted strong times.

Bodi Turner was 13th and Anthony Dean 20th in the men’s field while Lauren Reynolds was 10th in the women’s competition.

Rio Day 10: Aussies at the 2016 Olympics

VIEW GALLERY

Colombian Mariana Pajon was fastest in the women’s field while Frenchman Joris Daudet was the best of the men.

“It was good to get that first one out of the way, sort of brushed off the nerves a little bit,” Buchanan said.

“It’s been very challenging with the heat and wind conditions, but happy to come away in that silver position coming into tomorrow.

“It qualifies me good for the racing so I’ll have first lane pick for my semi-final and it means I won’t meet up with Mariana (Pajon) till the final which sees me really well for tomorrow.

“Visually I think every BMX track is a new challenge but this one, the red and the green looks amazing like the Mario Kart kind of track but it’s challenging on the eyes.

Sam Willoughby is a strong medal contender in the BMX race for Australia.

“An extra added element that’s made everyone step up and be on their toes this week.

“I’ve got a few mistakes that happened in that run so some things to clean up for tomorrow.”

Australian coach Wade Bootes said his riders were well positioned for the semi finals.

“It’s really who gets to the first corner and has a clean lap to the finish when racing comes,” he said.

“It’s all about seeding yourself and the way it’s all set out, I think we actually have good motos.

“They love the pressure and it’s all about getting ready for battle and trying to win each war.”

[e-mail]

Originally published as Australian BMX stars Caroline Buchanan and Sam Willoughby post fast heats, well set for semi-finals