Second stop UCI BMX Supercross on Olympic replica track Autor: Administrator (marek.psenicka@centrum.cz), Téma: UCI BMX Supercross, Source: www.uci.ch Vydáno dne 26. 05. 2011 (3007 přečtení) The second round of the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup presented by Swatch will stop in Papendal, the Netherlands, this weekend. This 2011 World Cup series also counts towards the 2010-2011 UCI BMX rankings allowing the riders to accumulate points toward their country's participation at the 2012 Olympic Games. The brand new permanent Supercross track is currently the most advanced and challenging track in the world. It is home to the Dutch team, but other teams are also welcome to use the facilities. The design of the Papendal track is similar to the design concept for the London 2012 Olympic Games track, currently under construction. Track Designer Tom Ritzenthaler will draw on the experience gained building the Dutch track when shaping the final track for next year’s Olympics. Elite Men Corben Sharrah will lead the USA men's contingent as the number-one ranked rider in the UCI's Supercross World Cup standings. The 19-year-old won the first round in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. The world of BMX is also pleased to see #365 Mike Day (USA) return to BMX Supercross racing after a 1 ½ year absence due to a back operation. Last time BMX fans saw Mike Day in splendid form was at the 2009 UCI BMX Supercross in Chula Vista. According to experts this Dutch track will suit Day’s technical style. Marc Willers (NZL) will be eager to improve his performance in South Africa, where he missed out on the finals after crashing in the semis. Joris Daudet (FRA) also looked very strong on the African ochre-red clay, winning the time trials and finishing second in the main final. Khalen Young (AUS), who was very pleased with his third place podium result in Africa, will be fired up in the Netherlands. Current World and Olympic Champion Maris Strombergs (LAT) is unfortunately still on the injury list. Strombergs is planning to return to BMX Racing in July for the UCI BMX World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark. Experts also expect big things from the Dutch army. The orange team coached by Bas de Bever will have a slight home track advantage. The experienced riders such as Raymon van der Biezen #121, Jelle van Gorkom #37, and Sander Bisseling #40 are reported to be very fast on this challenging track. Elite Women Manon Valentino (FRA) certainly surprised more than a few with her convincing win in round one of the BMX Supercross in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Valentino will be keen to prove that her Pietermaritzburg win was well deserved. Others to watch out for are the 2009 BMX World Champion Sarah Walker (NZL), 2010 MTB Four-cross World Champion Caroline Buchanan (AUS) and 2009 Juniors BMX World Champion Mariana Pajon (COL). Last but not least, current World Champion, Shanaze Reade (GBR) is making her return to BMX racing and will surely aim for a win on this Olympic replica track.