New Zealand has another BMX world champion in the form of Gisborne teenager Abigail Fox on the final day in Copenhagen today.
Fox, who was fourth in the Challenge age group racing on the first day of the championships, prevailed in the Cruiser class, for the larger 24 inch diameter wheeled bikes.
She was one of three medals achieved by BMX New Zealand riders today along with fellow Gisborne rider, 16 year old Monique Smith and Hamilton’s Paul Luttrell in the 44-49 years age group.
It brought the final tally to 11 medals including a record four in the elite class for the New Zealand BMX team.
Fox, second in challenge and third in cruiser last year in South Africa, said while her fourth placing on Wednesday was frustratin, she was happy to trade it for a world title today.
“It’s just awesome. I can’t tell you how amazing it is to win a world championship,” Fox said. “It’s just the best feeling.”
Fox had a great gate before Margot Hetmanczyk (FRA) passed on the second straight before crashing heavily.
“She crashed right in front of me and I nearly ran in to her. It was a close thing.”
Smith scored her second silver medal of the championship in another strong performance today, finishing behind American Felicia Stancil, who also edged the kiwi in the Challenge class earlier in the week.
“It was tough today. I did not feel well all day but managed to fight hard in that final. It’s fantastic for my final ride in the age classes before moving up to junior elite.”
Both Smith and Fox won all three qualifying motos.
Luttrell enjoyed his first medal in his fourth world championships dating back over two decades. He had a tougher route, finishing fourth in his quarterfinal, third in the semi and then second for a silver medal in a hard fought final behind American Scott Moreland.
“That was so tough. The standard here is incredibly hard. The Europeans are tremendously fast and there are so many of them.”
Luttrell has been competing along with his son of raced in the Challenge class on Wednesday.
Next year’s world championship is in Birmingham, England before the focus shifts to Auckland for the 2013 BMX World Championships which will be staged indoors at the Vector Arena.
Overall New Zealand finals results:
UCI BMX World Championships, challenge age group,
Boys:
7 years:
Lachlan Stevens-McNab (Rotorua) 1,;
James Whyte (Mountain Raiders, Pakuranga) 8.
8 years:
Rico Bearman (North Harbour) 3.
Girls:
5-6 years:
Caitlin Flavell (Rotorua) 5.
8 years:
Ngahina Pene (Rotorua) 3.
10 years:
Kaly Harcourt (Hamilton) 3;
Mikayla Bearman (North Harbour) 4.
14 years:
Tahlia Hansen (Rangiora) 2;
Abigail Fox (Gisborne) 4.
16 years:
Monique Smith (Gisborne) 2.
Cruiser:
Girls, 14 and under:
Abigail Fox (Gisborne) 1,
Girls, 15-16 years:
Felicia Stancil (USA) 1,
Monique Smith (Gisborne) 2,
Sarah Harvey (AUS) 3.
Men, 40-44:
Scott Moreland (USA) 1,
Paul Lutterell (Hamilton, NZL) 2.
Elite, time trials:
Junior elite: Trent Woodcock (Sunset Coast) 2.
Championship:
Junior Men: Trent Woodcock (Sunset Coast) 2.
Elite women: Sarah Walker (Rotorua) 2.
Elite Men: Marc willers (Cambridge) 3.
CAPTION: Gisborne’s Abigail Fox celebrates on winning the 14 years age group in the cruiser class at the UCI BMX World Championships in Copenhagen.
Mandatory credit: Kristoffer West
For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
Tel +64 9 2327822
Mob +64 275613181
E-Mail ian@sportsmedianz.com
Skype: kiwiheps
