May 15/18 14:13 pm - Mechielsen Top Canadian at BMX World Cup #5 & 6

Posted by Editoress on 05/15/18
 

For the second weekend in a row, Drew Mechielsen of Langley, BC, was Canada's top rider at the BMX World Cup. Mechielsen made the semi-finals in both the fifth and sixth rounds of the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup in Zolder, Belgium, on May 12-13. A total of six Canadian riders - four men and two women - raced.

At the previous rounds in Papendal, Netherlands, Mechielsen finished tenth, and improved on that in Zolder with a ninth place result in Saturday's race, followed by 14th on Sunday. Daina Tuchscherer of Chestermere, Alberta, made it to the quarterfinals on both days.

"I'm happy to come away from the weekend with two semi-final finishes," said Mechielsen. "I had solid laps and I'm proud of the way I rode."

In the men's competition, Tory Nyhaug of Coquitlam, BC, was the top performer, with a quarterfinal result of 20th on Sunday. Alex Tougas of Pitt Meadows, BC, made it to the quarter-finals of Saturday's competition, finishing 22nd. James Palmer of North Vancouver, BC, was coming back from injury and finished 44th on Saturday.

"Racing this weekend in Zolder was fast paced and exciting!" said Palmer. "Coming off a shoulder injury just a few weeks before, I felt a little off the back physically and, more importantly mentally, but I was happy that with the little time I got in on the bike I was still able to put together some good starts over the weekend, which is what we focused time on over this past winter. Looking forward to some time to recover and getting ready for the World Championships in Baku next month!"

National BMX coach Adam Muys, said, "The Zolder track is compact, which creates tight racing. The track itself is very similar to the Abbotsford track, but with a more technical third and fourth straight. We had some really good moments this weekend and some learning opportunities. Again, our speed and technical abilities are there and were able to complete with the World. Our riders are gaining confidence and being more aggressive, which is leading to better results.  'm really happy with the way Drew rode this weekend, really putting herself in the mix."

Results

Zolder Day 1
Women
Men 

Zolder Day 2
Men
Women