CYCLING - BMX: Western Australian Lauren Reynolds hopes a breakthrough victory in the USA last week has her ready to threaten the world’s best in this weekend’s UCI BMX Supercross world cup event in Papendal in the Netherlands.
Reynolds has been in red hot form in the USABMX Supercross circuit over the last few weeks, snaring three podium finishes and a maiden victory in Colorado and will look to transfer that form over to the world cup when she squares off against current ratings leader and compatriot Caroline Buchanan, world champion Stefany Hernandez and Olympic champion Mariana Pajon amongst a host of riders looking to gain early favouritism for Rio.
With the Australian contingent for Rio to be settled after the world championships at the end of this month, a solid performance for Reynolds in Papendal will also help the American-based London Olympian cement her position in the world’s top eight alongside Buchanan and make it very difficult for any other Australians to stop that duo earning Australia’s two spots in Rio.
Reynolds said she was very happy with her form as the chance at a second Olympic Games loomed.
“The last two weeks of back to back racing has been great with three podium finishes and my first ever win last weekend in Colorado,” Reynolds said.
“My form is feeling really good and confidence is high. Having that race time against a good group of competitors is perfect prep for me coming into Papendal this weekend.”
Reynolds is the type of big strong athlete that loves nothing more than racing in regular competition and is taking a race-by-race approach to her Olympic campaign.
“I love racing and the more laps I can get in under pressure the better off I am,” she said.
“I’m thrilled to be constantly in the top three (in the USA) and excited to get out on this wide open track in Papendal this weekend.
“Always having a focus is important and with a busy year like this one, race by race and step by step is the best approach.
“Its important not to get ahead of yourself and lose sight.
“With Olympics still in the back of my mind, there is plenty of work to be done prior and results to get along the way. Staying in the moment to make the most of every situation is important right now.”
Joining Reynolds in action will be Buchanan and Melinda McLeod, while in the men’s event, London Olympic silver medallist Sam Willoughby will headline the Australian contingent that includes fellow Olympic fancies Anthony Dean and Bodi Turner as well as BMX Australia Development Academy riders Josh Callan, Corey Frieswyk, Matt Juster, Tristyn Kronk and Kai Sakakibara and unheralded Michael Williams.
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