Walker, Willers Crash out in Eventful BMX Supercross in Norway

New Zealand BMX riders Marc Willers and Sarah Walker both crashed out in an eventful UCI Supercross World Cup in Norway today.

Willers, still sporting cuts and swelling to his face after a crash on the opening day, came down while challenging for the lead in his quarterfinal against nemesis Sam Willoughby (AUS).

Walker, who missed the opening round while nursing an injury, dislocated her shoulder when she crashed in the final after showing improving form throughout today’s elimination rounds at the new indoor venue at Randaberg.

It proved a crash-marred event with a number of leading hopes and other riders succumbing on the unforgiving surface, including fellow New Zealand Olympic contender Kurt Pickard who flew out today after injuring his wrist in a crash on the opening day.

Walker will fly home this week for an MRI scan to determine if any more damage has been done to her shoulder, although she is hopeful.

“It’s giving me a bit of grief. But I was definitely improving this weekend and quite happy with my progress.  I was first to the second corner in the quarter and semifinal which is encouraging. That’s in line with where things are at with my training,” said Walker.

“For me this is a minor setback and nothing I can’t handle.”

Walker qualified seventh in yesterday’s time trials, and finished top of her three qualifying motos today. She finished second to Beijing silver medallist Laetitia LeCorguille (FRA) in the opening two heats but grabbed her first win of the season with an impressive effort in the final moto.

The Cambridge rider was fast out of the gate in the semifinal but cruised home in third behind LeCorguille and American Arielle Martin.

Walker jumped strongly in the final and was second in the second straight before crashing when she became squeezed for room between LeCorguille and Martin, and was then hit by a following rider.

Australian Caroline Buchanan came from behind to pip Magalie Pottier (FRA) on the line to win the women’s final.

Willers, fourth in the opening round of the Supercross World Cup in California last month, had solid qualifying motos today, finishing second behind Willoughby who won all three heats. The kiwi had two seconds and a fourth to be second qualifier.

The Californian-based New Zealander jumped well in his quarterfinal, just headed by Willloughby into the first corner.
Willers pushed hard down the second straight but was airborne with nowhere to go when the Australian moved lines going into the second corner. He hit the back of Willoughby and came down, with American Barry Nobles crashing into him from behind.

“Sam just got squirelly going into the corner and I could not change line because I was already in the air and I ran in to him. It’s disappointing because my form is definitely improving and on track.

“I guess that will teach me for not being first into that first corner.”

American Connor Fields continues his excellent early season form to hold off Willoughby by 2/1000ths of a second in the men’s final.

Results, UCI BMX Supercross World Cup:

Women, qualifying moto 3: Sarah Walker (NZL) 5 points, 1; Laetitia LeCorguille (FRA) 5, 2l Melinda McLeod (AUS) 12, 3.
Semifinal 1: LeCorguille 1, Arielle Martin (USA) 2, Walker 3. Semifinal 2: Magalie Pottier 9FRA) 1, Alise Post (USA) 2, Vilma Rimsaite (LTU) 3.
Final: Caroline Buchanan (AUS) 1, Pottier 2, Post 3. Also: Walker dnf.

Men, qualifying moto 2: Sam Willoughby (AUS) 3 points, 1; Marc Willers 8, 2; Ernesto Pizarro (ARG) and Khalen Young (AUS) 11, equal 3.
Quarterfinal 2: Willoughby 1, Mike Day (USA) 2, Young 3. Also: Willers 8.
Final: Connor Fields (USA) 1, Willoughby 2, Carlos Zabala (COL) 3.

CAPTION:  Marc Willers in action at the second round of the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup in Norway today.
 
Credit: UCI BMX/Craig Dutton.