Velosolutions UCI Pump Track World Championships Qualifiers | Australia and New Zealand 2024

 

Photos Olly Crew (Australia) | Ian William Cooper (New Zealand)

Velosolutions UCI Pump Track World Championships Qualifiers |Australia and New Zealand 2024

 

Photos Olly Crew (Australia) | Ian William Cooper (New Zealand)

Dungog, Australia | 24 August 2024

It all went down to the wire in Australia at the Pump Track Worlds qualifier in Dungog, New South Wales, with over 400 spectators in attendance to inject a whole lot of atmosphere into the venue.

The men’s race was a fierce contest, with Aaron Donald just managing to edge out the favourite, and National Champion, Ryan Gilchrist, for the top spot. Ryan used his vast experience in the discipline to set the single fastest time of the day during his semi-final run, but his race took an unfortunate turn when his rear tire popped as he crossed the finish line, causing him to crash in the next turn. We hope to see Ryan back to full speed before the South African finals. Obviously, the crash impacted the final, but Aaron Donald maintained his composure and consistency to secure the win in the final. It was great to see Oliver Moran, who has been killing it at this year UCI BMX Racing World Cups, make an appearance and secure a place for the World finals.

On the women’s side, the competition was just as thrilling! Cassie Voysey and Connor Mielke were neck and neck after the first run, posting identical times. However, Cassie pulled ahead in the final rounds, securing first place, while Connor finished a strong second.

 

MEN:

1: Aaron Donald

2: Ryan Gilchrist

3: Jye Furner

4: Oliver Moran

 

WOMEN:

1: Cassie Voysey

2: Connor Mielke

3: Ivy Hanlon

4: Laura Renshaw

Havelock North, New Zealand | 31 August 2024

The conditions were almost perfect in Havelock, with only slight winds and temperatures in the low 20s. It was the riders at the New Zealand qualifier who brought the heat, pushing the limits of the track, and keeping the spectators on the edge of their seats.

The BMX Racing Jr. World Champion, Josh Jolly, had desires on a second UCI Rainbow jersey in the same calendar year when he showed up. The Australian was dominant from the get-go, setting the fastest lap times all day. Josh took the win from New Zealand’s Dan Butterworth with half a second to spare, which can be quite significant in the Pump Track world. Josh’s winning lap time was a blistering 15.54 seconds. It will be interesting to see where Josh stacks up when it comes to the heavy hitters who will be lining up in South Africa.

The women’s side of the draw had a large field of riders which is great to see for the development of the sport. New Zealand’s Shania Rawson eventually secured her second victory in the qualifiers since 2018. She was challenged by up-and-coming rider Cassien Lewis from Christchurch, who pushed her way into the finals after qualifying fourth. Shania held her ground in an all-MTB showdown, winning by just over a second.

 

MEN:

1: Josh Jolly

2: Dan Butterworth

3: Nick Cowie

4: Mark Gilbert

 

WOMEN:

1: Shania Rawson

2: Cassien Lewis

3: Holly Oldham

4: Caitlin Georganta

We’re in the final push for Worlds spots now with only Canada, Switzerland, China and Germany left on the calendar before the Last Chance Qualifier in Durban on November 2nd … then it’s go time!

See the upcoming qualifiers HERE.

 

For all the latest info. on the series, check out the links below …

Velosolutions UCI Pump Track: Website | Instagram | Facebook

Velosolutions: Website | Instagram | Facebook

UCI: Website | Instagram | Facebook

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