CYCLING

New Zealand BMX team share criticism of Rio Olympic track

By Sports Media NZ

Cycling New Zealand have backed the other international teams who believe the Olympic BMX Track in Rio is unsafe for riders.

A New Zealand team is in Rio for the official Olympic BMX Test event, with riders having their first practice at the facility today ahead of planned racing tomorrow and Monday (NZ time).

“Based on a review of the track, the riders and coaches from all nations here have agreed that this track is unsafe and will result in serious rider injury,” Elliott said.

The nations present in Rio nominated rider and coach representatives who expressed their position to the organising committee.

Elliott said the jumps, especially for the men, are too big and does not make for safe and contestable racing.

Organisers have called off planned racing for tomorrow to make changes to the track, in particular to the second and third straights on the women’s course.

“After an inspection and practice, their plans are for racing here on Sunday using the women’s track only. It will allow them to test their Olympic systems but there won’t be any racing on the current men’s track.”

Elliott said the men’s track would require a major rebuild and discussions will be ongoing between the UCI and the Rio event organisers.

The New Zealand riders in Rio comprise Olympic silver medallist Sarah Walker, Trent Jones and Daniel Franks with coach Ryan Hollows.