Two strong rides were not quite enough for Rico Bearman to force his way into the grand final for BMX Racing at the Paris Olympic Games.

The North Harbour professional finished 11th overall with the top eight going through to the final, which proved a podium shut-out for the French led by veteran Joris Daudet, the 33-year-old who has won four world titles including this year in USA. He headed home compatriots Sylvan Andre and Roman Mahieu.

Earlier Bearman made a strong start in his first of three semifinal motos, but was pushed back to finish eighth, and from there his chances of qualifying were challenging. He followed withtwo fifth placings with improved performances, but not enough to earn an Olympic final spot.

“I am super-proud to represent my country at this first Olympic Games,” said Bearman. “It was a difficult track if you didn’t get an inside gate as it was tough to pass.

“I had a great gate in the first one but I wasn’t aggressive enough to hold my place. I needed to be more aggressive.”

The women’s title was won by Australian Saya Sakikabara from Dutch rider Manon Veenstra with Swiss rider Zoe Claessens third.

There was a strong New Zealand presence on the podium with Cambridge-based Matt Cameron coaching Veenstra to her silver medal, as one of the most improved BMX Racers in recent years.

Tauranga’s Kurt Pickard, a former national champion in BMX Racing, is coach of former world champion and French bronze medallist, Romain Mahieu.