New Zealand’s premier BMX riders return to UCI World Cup action this weekend following last month’s world championships.
A four-strong group will contest the double round in Sarrians, France with back-to-back double rounds remaining in Santiago del Estero in Argentina to complete the championship series.
Sarrians is in the popular cycling region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur in southeastern France, near Mt Ventoux, a famed climb in road cycling.
Leading the way for New Zealand BMXers this weekend is US-based professional Rico Bearman, who has four straight wins from four finals in the under-23 category so far this year in Europe. The world championship bronze medallist has more than double the points on second placed Caster Pipers (NED) and Mateo Colsenet (FRA) with world champion Filib Steiner (SUI) in fifth.
Fellow world championship bronze medallist, Megan Williams from Rotorua is challenging the overall podium in the under-23 women. Williams currently lies in third overall on points after qualifying for three of the four finals including a podium at Papendal (NED).
North Harbour rider Michael Bias, currently 27th in the overall rankings, and Te Awamutu’s Cole McOnie will compete in the elite men’s competition.
Racing in round five begins with qualifying from noon on Saturday (10pm NZ time) with the finals set for approximately 6pm local (4am Sunday NZT).
Round six action gets underway at 10am on Sunday local (8pm NZT) with finals set from 4pm (2am Monday NZT).