Australia’s Saya Sakakibara has won the ‘Ready Steady Tokyo’, the official Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games test event being staged on the BMX racing circuit.

The Japanese-born Sakakibara narrowly edged reigning world champions Alise Post on the line in front of an adoring Tokyo crowd.
​
The looming typhoon forced the consolidation of the three-day event into one day with riders running all motos, semi finals and finals on one afternoon.

“This meant extra laps for us on this very very long track,” said Sakakibara, 20. “I didn’t know how my legs would make it through the day but I think we got through. was trying to save my energy, like rolling the last straight.”

In her fourth UCI BMX SX World Cup final of 2019, Saya Sakakibara has finished fourth in the eighth World Cup round held in Rock Hill, USA.

"I had a good day today," Sakakibara said. "I went through all the motos in first and second and I had a really good lap in my semi-final. I even had the second fastest lap for the day.

"It's really exciting to come away with the fourth and there are a lot of positives to come away from this weekend. I'm really looking forward to training again and ready to do it all again in Argentina."

Two crashes ended Kai Sakakibara's runs in the 1/8 finals in both rounds, while Anthony Dean suffered a dramatic crash in round seven and was forced out of round eight. 

UCI Rankings after Rd8:

Men

• Kai Sakakibara: 13th 380 points
• Anthony Dean: 23rd 245 points

Women

• Saya Sakakibara: 8th 515 points

The Australian Cycling Team is pleased to announce the BMX Race Individual Athlete Performance Support (IAPS) memberships for 2019-20. The quartet of Caroline Buchanan, Anthony Dean, Saya Sakakibara and Kai Sakakibara will receive the IAPS support. 

​“With Anthony Dean and Kai Sakakibara setting the fastest and fourth fastest laps in the elite men’s competition, and Saya Sakakibara setting the fastest lap for the elite women during the 2019 World Championships in July, it demonstrates that the Australian Cycling Team BMX Race athlete members are on track for Tokyo 2020,” said Australian Cycling Team BMX Technical Director Wade Bootes. 

“With the extended support the Australian Cycling Team has provided Caroline during her recovery period, and after recent observations of her in training, we believe it won't be long until Caroline will be in a similar position from when she last raced BMX Supercross in July 2017.” 

With less than a year to the Games, Bootes believes the team is on target to qualify two positions at the Games in the men’s and women’s events. 

“Our target for BMX IAPS is to deliver a medal in 2020 and we will continue to develop and support the athletes towards this trajectory,” added Bootes. 

“It will be a challenging and close race between nations to secure two positions for both men and women. The riders will be competing and targeting key events to help the qualification process while keeping the core performance objective the priority.”
​
The final two rounds of the 2019 UCI BMX Supercross World Cup season will be held in September, with Australia set to host the opening two rounds of the 2020 Series in February in Shepparton and Bathurst. 

The 2020 National Championships will feature in March, the 2020 World Championships head to the USA in May, while the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games BMX Race competition will take place on July 30-31. 

Australian Cycling Team BMX IAPS Membership for 2019-20

• Caroline Buchanan 
• Anthony Dean 
• Saya Sakakibara 
• Kai Sakakibara

It was heartbreak for Australia in the elite finals at the 2019 UCI BMX Racing World Championships in Belgium on Saturday with Saya Sakakibara (NSW) and Anthony Dean (SA) crashing in their finals after earlier dominating the competition.


The pair looked unstoppable as they won nine of ten finals between them through their Moto heats, 1/8, 1/4 and semi finals before their barnstorming run at the rainbow jersey sadly came to an end in the finals inside the first turn.


Australia did celebrate on the podium on the final day through Oliver Moran (NSW) who won silver in the junior men's final.

Recaps

Wollongong's Saya Sakakibara (NSW) opened her second World Championship account with three Moto qualifying wins, before adding the 1/4 final win as torrential rain began to cause havoc with the Zolder track.

The 19-year-old Sakakibara, who launched herself with sixth overall on her World Championship debut in 2018, then stormed into the final after winning the semi-final by more than five bike lengths.

In one of the most stacked finals in history, Sakakibara lined up against 2016 Olympic and world champion Mariana Pajón, reigning world champion Laura Smulders and 2017 world champion Alise Willoughby.

Devastatingly, however, Sakakibara's great form and run at her first World Championship podium came undone at the first jump after she skidded and crashed on landing. Willoughby, the wife of Australian two-time world champion Sam, rode to gold.

"I was really happy with how I rode today, yes the result isn't what I wanted, but I could see that I am one of the top riders out there and it is a big step up from the early races of the year," said Sakakibara, who also crashed out of the opening round of the 2019 World Cup season in April, before regrouping to claim two finals appearances across four rounds held in May and June.

"I was feeling pretty calm coming into this weekend as I know the track. I was really focused on going through my processes today and I surprised myself winning everything to get to the final.

"That was where it clicked, and I thought that maybe I could do well here. But I just think that I just hesitated a little bit out of the gate, I crashed on myself, I wasn't comfortable being in a tight position."

With a second career World Championship final under her belt before she exits her teens, and with Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games now less than a year away, Sakakibara could see the upside of today's result.

"Seventh, one worse than last year, that's hard. But an Australian in the final is really cool. And getting some Olympic points is really awesome, and I get to ride with a single-digit for another year, which is a plus.

"Big thanks to the Australian Cycling Team for supporting me and to all the staff here, I hope I made you proud."

2016 Olympic finalist Anthony Dean (SA) won all three Moto races, before storming to win both his 1/8 and 1/4 finals. In the semi-final, Dean was once again first out of the gate, however, he was pushed to fourth after the second turn before holding this to the line to secure a place in the final.

However, like Saya just moments before him, Dean's run at a maiden rainbow jersey in his sixth World Championships campaign was halted by a crash after he clipped the wheel of the rider in front of him on the first turn.

Recovering from the fall, Dean managed to cross the line in sixth. "I was having such a great day winning five laps, third in the semi-final, was set up for a great day," said Dean, who has enjoyed a consistent 2019 World Cup season.

"I had a perfect gate, but just wheelie'd to the bottom, and that is what cost me. I went into the first turn in third, was coming out going for second and just caught the guy's wheel in front of me who was turning really high in the wet conditions.

"I was in a bad spot turning at the wrong time.

"Pretty disappointed, I felt like this was the day it could have been mine, but what are you going to do? I will just come back and try again."

Kai Sakakibara (NSW) and Lauren Reynolds (WA) came agonisingly close to a finals appearance when they finished fifth in their respective semi-finals.

Sakakibara finished fourth in his 1/8 final run, before a stellar final corner move in the 1/4 final which saw him move from the last position into fourth and through to the semi-final. "It was a huge day, I had a great run through the Motos and it was survival of the fittest after that and just couldn't get out of the semi-final," said Kai, who season honours include a career-best World Cup fourth-place and three semi-final finishes. 

"Disappointed because I was aiming for the final, but I was proud of my preparation coming into the event, I was riding really nicely and I know success isn't too far away."

2013 World Championship silver medallist and dual Olympian Reynolds looked strong throughout the day, moving to the semi-finals with a strong ride to finish behind defending champion Laura Smulders (NED) and ahead of 2017 world champion Alise Willoughby (USA) in a stacked 1/4 final. 

In other Elite results, Izaac Kennedy's (QLD) World Championship debut came to a thrilling end in the 1/4 final stage when he was pipped on the line after getting back to ride the final straight after a crash early in the run. Erin Lockwood (QLD) and Matt Krasevskis (QLD) were unable to progress through the Motos, while Josh McLean's (VIC) day ended in the 1/8 final stage. 

In the Under 19 events, Oliver Moran (NSW) won the silver medal behind France's Tatyan Lui Hin Tsan. 

Des’ree Barnes (QLD) produced solid rides in her motos and 1/4 finals, however, she was unable to progress to the final after finishing seventh in the semi-final. 

Jack Davis' (NSW) Championships came unstuck on the wet track early in his 1/4 final, while Corey Taylor (WA) pipped on the line for fifth in the same heat which ended his 2019 run. Matt Tidswell's (SA) campaign ended in the Moto rounds. 

​Team Australia

• ELITE MEN Anthony Dean (SA), Kai Sakakibara (NSW), Matt Krasevskis (QLD), Izaac Kennedy (QLD), Josh McLean (VIC)
• ELITE WOMEN Saya Sakakibara (NSW), Lauren Reynolds (WA), Erin Lockwood (QLD)
• UNDER 19 MEN Matt Tidswell (SA), Jack Davis (NSW), Oliver Moran (NSW), Corey Taylor (WA)
• UNDER 19 WOMEN Des’ree Barnes (QLD)

Watch 

• Final Day Highlights - Foxtel Channel 507 - Sunday 28 July 1:00pm

With less than one year to go until the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the Australian Team has its sights on the 2019 UCI BMX Racing World Championships. 
​
The Championships will be held at the BMX Club Circuit in Zolder, Belgium, with the finals on Saturday 27 July. 

Team Australia

• ELITE MEN Anthony Dean (SA), Kai Sakakibara (NSW), Matt Krasevskis (QLD), Izaac Kennedy (QLD), Josh McLean (VIC)
• ELITE WOMEN Saya Sakakibara (NSW), Lauren Reynolds (WA), Erin Lockwood (QLD)
• UNDER 19 MEN Matt Tidswell (SA), Jack Davis (NSW), Oliver Moran (NSW), Corey Taylor (WA)
• UNDER 19 WOMEN Des’ree Barnes (QLD)

BMX World Championships

• July 23-27, BMX Club Circuit in Zolder Official website

Schedule 

• 9pm AEST Saturday 27 July (13:00 local time) - Motos
• 1am AEST Sunday 28 July (17:00 local time) - Races 1/8 1/4, Semis, Finals

Watch 

• Final Day Highlights - Foxtel Channel 507 - Sunday 28 July 1:00pm

Follow #AusCyclingTeam

• australiancyclingteam.com
• facebook.com/AustralianCyclingTeam 
• instagram.com/australiancyclingteam
• twitter.com/AusCyclingTeam ​​

 Team Preview

Wollongong's Saya Sakakibara heads into the World Championships following a mixed opening to her 2019 World Cup season which saw her crash out of the semi-final of April’s opening round, forcing her to miss the second round with concussion. 

“I am excited to be racing Worlds,” said Saya, who regrouped to claim two finals appearances, highlighted by a fifth in the last round in France, across four rounds held in May and June. 

“I haven't had the best season so far having a few crashes early which set me back. But I really feel that over the past few weeks I have made some small improvements coming into worlds and my helping with my confidence."

It will be the 19-year-old’s second World Championship campaign in the elite field following an outstanding debut in 2018 which saw her finish sixth. And with the Tokyo Olympic Games just one year away, Saya knows the level of competition will be higher than ever this week in Belgium. 

“The women’s field is quite competitive and tough, it will be difficult for me to keep the single-digit [a number six race plate] I have been running for the past twelve months, but it is possible and I have high hopes I can get myself into the final and come away with a good result."

Kai Sakakibara enters his fifth consecutive elite World Championships with season honours including a career-best World Cup fourth-place in May’s third round, plus three semi-final finishes. 

"Always anxiety, anticipation and excitement coming into a Worlds, it is a whole new event every year, the most important event of 2019 for BMX," said Kai. "I know the Zolder track well having raced my first elite Worlds there five years ago in 2015, and I know have improved a lot in the past four years, and I would like to showcase that in 2019.  

“I’ve been getting some great practise in over the past few months and I’m feeling ready and confident coming into the racing.” 

2016 Olympic finalist Anthony Dean heads to a sixth straight Worlds Championships off the back of a consistent World Cup season which has seen him recently reach the finals in the third round held in France in June.

"I am excited to be a part of the team and excited to get there and showcase my skills,” said Dean, who enjoyed success on the Zolder track with a podium at the 2018 World Cup. “This year, especially leading into the Olympics for 2020, I am focused on getting better and improve as much as I can in all aspects.  

“I think I am bringing a pretty good package this year to Worlds, and I am excited to get back to this track and land on the podium this year."

Dual Olympian Lauren Reynolds will take her place in the starting gate for twelfth consecutive World Championships, with the 28-year-old’s green and gold campaign beginning in 2008 in the junior category. 

“It is an absolute honour to be a part of the team again and putting on the national jersey, and I am very excited for the World Championships,” said Reynolds, who won World Championship silver in 2013.  “It is the biggest race of the year and with one year out from the Olympic Games, the level of racing is higher than it has ever been. 

“Certainly I have high expectations, like every year, I have had a great preparation so am excited to get out there and put out a good performance.” The elite team also features Erin Lockwood, Matt Krasevskis, Izaac Kennedy and Josh McLean who will make their elite World Championship debut.

The Under 19 team includes Des’ree Barnes, Matt Tidswell, Jack Davis, Oliver Moran and Corey Taylor. 

Kai Sakakibara enters his fifth consecutive elite World Championships with season honours including a career-best World Cup fourth-place in May’s third round, plus three semi-final finishes. 

“Always anxiety, anticipation and excitement coming into a Worlds, it is a whole new event every year, the most important event of 2018 for BMX,” said Kai.  ”I know the Zolder track well having raced my first elite Worlds there five years ago in 2015, and I know have improved a lot in the past four years, and I would like to showcase that in 2019.  

“I’ve been getting some great practice in over the past few months and I’m feeling ready and confident coming into the racing.” 

The 2019 BMX Racing World Championships finals for the elite and junior categories will be held at the BMX Club Circuit in Zolder on Saturday 27 July. ​

2019 AUSTRALIAN TEAM 

ELITE MEN

• Anthony Dean (SA), Kai Sakakibara (NSW), Matt Krasevskis (QLD), Izaac Kennedy (QLD), Josh McLean (VIC)

ELITE WOMEN

• Saya Sakakibara (NSW), Lauren Reynolds (WA), Erin Lockwood (QLD)

UNDER 19 MEN

• Matt Tidswell (SA), Jack Davis (NSW), Oliver Moran (NSW), Corey Taylor (WA)

UNDER 19 WOMEN

• Des’ree Barnes (QLD)

FOLLOW

Australian Cycling Team #AusCyclingTeam

• australiancyclingteam.com
• facebook.com/AustralianCyclingTeam 
• instagram.com/australiancyclingteam
• twitter.com/AusCyclingTeam 

BMX World Championships 

• Official website

The elite team features siblings Saya Sakakibara and Kai Sakakibara, along with Erin Lockwood, Matt Krasevskis, Izaac Kennedy and Josh McLean who will make their elite World Championship debut.

The Under 19 team includes Des’ree Barnes, Matt Tidswell, Jack Davis, Oliver Moran and Corey Taylor. 

Meet the whole team at our Instagram Page

The 2019 BMX Racing World Championships finals for the elite and junior categories will be held at the BMX Club Circuit in Zolder on Saturday 27 July. 

2019 AUSTRALIAN TEAM 

ELITE MEN

• Anthony Dean (SA), Kai Sakakibara (NSW), Matt Krasevskis (QLD), Izaac Kennedy (QLD), Josh McLean (VIC)

ELITE WOMEN

• Saya Sakakibara (NSW), Lauren Reynolds (WA), Erin Lockwood (QLD)

UNDER 19 MEN

• Matt Tidswell (SA), Jack Davis (NSW), Oliver Moran (NSW), Corey Taylor (WA)

UNDER 19 WOMEN

• Des’ree Barnes (QLD)

FOLLOW

Australian Cycling Team #AusCyclingTeam

• australiancyclingteam.com
• facebook.com/AustralianCyclingTeam 
• instagram.com/australiancyclingteam
• twitter.com/AusCyclingTeam 

BMX World Championships 

• Official website

‪#UCIBMXWC Round 5 & 6

The 2019 UCI BMX Supercross World Cup season continues with round 5 and 6 at Saint-Quentin-En-Yvelines in Paris on June 8-9.

In action for the Australian Cycling Team will be Wollongong’s Saya Sakakibara, Kai Sakakibara and Adelaide's Anthony Dean.

Saya heads into the weekend fresh off a final and semi-final appearance at the third and fourth rounds held in April, with two podium finishes at the equivalent 2018 rounds held on the Paris track also strong in her memory.

Kai equalled his career-best World Cup result with a fourth-place finish in the third round last month, while Anthony progressed to the semi-final at the opening two rounds in England in April.

The World Cups provide valuable points towards the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games qualification.  

• Website ffc.fr/coupe-monde-bmx-2018
• Results uci.org/uci-bmx-supercross-world-cup
• Watch live facebook.com/UCIBMXSupercross

Wollongong's Kai Sakakibara equalled his career-best UCI BMX Supercross World Cup result with a fourth place finish in the season's third round held in Papendal, the Netherlands.
 
Sakakibara recovered after a slow start in Saturday's third round final to finish just off the podium behind Dutch 2018 World Cup champion Niek Kimmann. 
  
"I felt great all day," Sakakibara said after equalling his career best result which he achieved in 2018 in Belgium. "I won my first round, the round of 16 and the eighth (final). I even got a second place in my quarter, but coming down to that final, it was really tight, and I was really excited to be there as it was my first World Cup final of the year.
 
"I got a bit shot down in the first straight and tried to work my way back but finished fourth. Overall a really good result and I'm happy to get the score on the board. A couple of things to work on for tomorrow but I can't wait."
 
In Sunday's fourth round, Sakakibara's campaign ended in the quarter-final stage.  The 22-year-old now sits eighth on the overall World Cup standings.

Kai's sister Saya Sakakibara grabbed a semi final and final finish for the two rounds, just two weeks after crashing out of the World Cup opening round in England.

"I was already thankful I was able to race," said Saya after her round three semi final finish on Saturday. "I chose lane eight in the semi final to give myself some room and I was confident I was able to get through the first few jumps OK.

"Later in the race, I made a decision to not jump, but to pump in the second straight, which unfortunately was the wrong decision and I lost position and I ended up fifth.

"That was disappointing, but I am happy that I was able to have a good race and stayed on my bike which was a big box to tick in this round for me."

Round 3 & 4 Results - Papendal

• Saya Sakakibara: Round 3 - 5th in semi-final; Round 4 - eighth in the final
• Kai Sakakibara: Round 3 - 4th in final; Round 4 - seventh in quarterfinal

World Cup standings - after Round 4: 

• Men's: Kai Sakakibara 8th; Anthony Dean: 24th
• Women's: Saya Sakakibara: 14th

Full results from the 2019 World Cup season. 

The 2019 UCI BMX SX World Cup now moves to France for Round 5 and 6 which will be held in St Quentin en Yvelines on June 8-9. â€‹

The 2019 UCI BMX Supercross World Cup season has opened in Manchester England with mixed results for the Australian Cycling Team.

Saya Sakakibara, who finished second overall on the 2018 international rankings, unfortunately, crashed out of Saturday's opening round in the semi-final stage and was forced to miss Sunday's second round.

In a semifinal littered with some of the sport's biggest names including Olympic gold medallist Mariana Pajon, reigning world champion Laura Smulders and former world champion Alise Willoughby, Sakakibara crashed in the front straight on the first jump.  

The Wollongong cyclist was knocked unconscious and was taken to hospital for tests but was later cleared of major injury. She ultimately finished 16th in the round and sat out Sunday's second round.

"In the semi, it was quite a stacked race, I lined up next to Mariana and Alise so it was quite the mental challenge at the start," Sakakibara, who is hoping to be ready for the next leg of the World Cup season in the Netherlands on May 11-12. "But I was able to do a good gate but got squeezed on the first jump and unfortunately went down, hitting my head, and blacked out a bit.

"Just looking to rest up and hoping to be fine for Papendal in two weeks."

In the men's competition, Adelaide's Anthony Dean and Wollongong's Kai Sakakibara progressed to the semifinals in both rounds.

Dean narrowly missed a final in round one after finishing fifth in his semifinal, before his second round campaign was cut short by after a mechanical. 

"First World Cup of the season, I was having a great opening day, won some laps and rode my way into the semifinal," said Dean. "I had a great start, executed everything I needed to and went into the first turn in second but was ridden high and ended up being pushed into fourth and then got past right on the last straight for fifth. 

"Then in round two, qualifying through the rounds ended up in the semifinal, I had a great gate state but had a mechanical error when my foot came out of the pedal, which disappointingly ended my day." 

• Results Round 1  | Round 2
• Watch the Round 1 & 2 action from Manchester UCI BMX SX Live video
• Next Up Round 3 & 4 - Papendal, The Netherlands, 11- 12 May 2019 UCI BMX SX Home​

The Australian Cycling Team is ready ahead of the 2019 UCI World Cup season which gets underway in Manchester on April 26.

Five countries will each host two rounds of the Series in 2019 the beginning in Manchester in April, before taking in stops in the Netherlands, France, USA and Argentina.

The 2019 World Championships will slot in between the French and USA rounds in July, with the 2019 season to offer all-important qualification points for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Saya Sakakibara shone while on her debut in the elite ranks in 2018, finishing second overall on the year-end international rankings claiming one World Cup win and four podium appearances, in addition to claiming sixth in her first elite career World Championship final.  

"2018 was such a crazy season for me, I didn't expect any of the results," said Wollongong's Sakakibara, 19. "It has shown me it is possible to do it, now I understood where I am at against the rest of the field.  

"Coming into 2019, obviously there is confidence I can take into the season, But it is a brand new year, there is probably another new group coming through, it is a pre-Olympic year so everyone is trying to get those Olympic points. It is going to be really competitive, even more than last year.

"But like last year, I will be taking it race by race, coming into it with no expectations. I plan to build on 2018, learn from mistakes that I make along the way, and continue to grow as an athlete."

With a valuable year of experience under her belt, Saya dedicated her Australian based summer offseason to strength and power program. 

"At only 19, I am not as strong as the older girls in the elite class, so being in the gym three times a week was a priority over summer, working on my strength and power," said Sakakibara, who turns 20 in August. "Now it will be all about trying to convert that strength base into power and then on the bike.

Sakakibara opened 2019 with victory in the Oceania Championships and will be chasing the podium in Manchester.

"Always chasing the podium, Manchester is a tight track, it will be a new experience, tight racing, everyone is eager to put down good results to start the reason, going to be very competitive."

Kai Sakakibara celebrated his start to 2019 with victory in January's Oceania Championships and like sibling Saya, spent much of his summer deep in an offseason strength program. 

"We have seen great improvements from October 2018 vs February 2019, my sprint times have improved, as well as my start Hill times at Brisbane SX track as well," said Kai. "Another focus for me was on marginal gains - this was in sleep, nutrition, recovery, as well as doing what I already do in training a little bit better. 

"I think all of this combined has shown a huge bump in my performance compared to last year." 

Adelaide's Anthony Dean will also line up in Manchester's opening round following a consistent 2018 where he grabbed a podium at the Belgium World Cup round, in addition to two top-five placings, and top ten at the World Championships. 

"Heading into the 2019 season with high confidence and hopes," said Dean. "After finishing the final World Cup of 2018 in third, I have been setting my sights on the top step of the podium. 

"I am coming into the 2019 season in my best shape and looking forward to racing in the venue I got my first World Cup podium in 2014."

As the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games moves closer into view, Cycling Australia BMX Technical Director Wade Bootes is looking forward to another season.  

"The Australian Cycling Team have clear individual performance plans for all riders as we embrace diversity to enhance the individual athlete by targeting key areas of support required by the support network we align within Australia and around the world.  

"Simplifying the process and focusing on tasks and activities that will make an impact on performance."

2019 BMX Supercross Schedule - Riders contesting Round

• 27/28 April: Round 1&2 - Manchester, United Kingdom - Anthony, Kai & Saya
• 11/12 May: Round 3&4 - Papendal, Netherlands - Kai & Saya
• 8/9 June: Round 5&6 - Paris, France - Anthony, Kai & Saya
• 23-27 July: 2019 World Championships - Heusden-Zolder, Belgium
• 14/15 September: Round 7&8 - Rock Hill, USA
• 28/29 September: Round 9&10 - Santiago Del Estero, Argentina

More details at the UCI website:  https://www.uci.org/bmx-racing/events/uci-bmx-supercross-world-cup â€‹â€‹â€‹

Siblings Saya and Kai Sakakibara celebrated victory at the 2019 Oceania BMX Championships in Te Awamutu, New Zealand.
 
"I hadn't raced for three months or so, I was a bit shaky at the start, so it was nice to bring it all together in the final," said Saya who took the lead on the first turn and held it to the finish line.

"Last year I missed out on the Oceania Championships because I was away overseas competing, so compete against my all time idol [Sarah Walker] and all the other amazing competitors from Australia and New Zealand it was the icing on the cake to take the win today.
 
In a closely fought men's final, Sakakibara chased down Brandon Te Hiko (Australia) in the closing metres to take the title.

"I’m very happy to begin the year with a win at the Oceanias," said Kai. "I didn’t have huge expectations as the event fell right in the middle of my off season training block, so it was great to still come away with a solid win."

The pair will now head back to their training base on the Gold Coast as they begin preparations for the World Cup season which begins in April.

Results | Event Website 

Copyright Craig Dutton

Australia’s Saya Sakakibara claimed sixth in her first elite career World Championship final at the 2018 UCI BMX World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan.

An unfortunate incident in final saw the 18-year-old taken out by the bike of American Alise Willoughby who had crashed in front of her as the group made the second turn.

Credibly, Sakakibara got back on her bike and finished the race to take sixth place behind the all Dutch podium of Laura Smulders, Merel Smulders and Judy Baauw.

​“I was coming about seventh and was able to do a really good move on the first corner and got myself into fifth but Alise (Willoughby) crashed in front of me and I ran into her bike,” Sakakibara explained. 

​“That ended things for me but I came away with a sixth which is pretty awesome.

“I was already happy just to be in the final. It’s all a learning experience for me so I’m stoked.”

In the men's, Anthony Dean finished ninth.

​The Australian Cycling Team has arrived in Azerbaijan for the 2018 UCI BMX (Supercross) World Championships with siblings Saya and Kai Sakakibara (NSW) and 2016 Olympic Games finalist Anthony Dean (SA) confident following their European and World Cup campaigns. 

For Saya Sakakibara, her maiden season in the elite ranks has netted triple podium appearances from the first six rounds 2018 World Cup Series, in addition to gold and silver at the European Cup.

“Definitely a great confidence booster coming into the World Championships,” Saya told Cycling Australia after her final training session in the Netherlands. “Heading into this season, being first year elite, I had no expectation of podiums, it was purely to learn and gain experience.

“It's humbling to think I'm up there with the best in the world already competing for spots on the podium.

“Although I may have a little more confidence, I just have to remember what mind set put me in that position in the first place and execute that exactly this weekend.”

Kai Sakakibara, Australia’s leading male rider in ninth on the UCI rankings, has enjoyed a consistent season with three top ten placings in the European Cup, and two at the most recent rounds of the World Cup in May.

“I came into season 2018 with strong expectations, but I have quickly learned it doesn’t get any easier, it is just as competitive as any other year,” said Kai, who with Saya, has based himself in Europe for much of 2018 to increase his exposure to racing.

“It has been fantastic being around this European racing environment week in week out, in the training environment everyday. Getting this experience under my belt and doing the races leading into the Championships has been invaluable,” said Kai, who finished 2017 ranked ninth.

“The fact that I have been able to maintain a high position in the rankings this season, to know I am consistently up there, definitely gives me confidence and a good chance of doing well at the Worlds as well.”

At the six and most recent World Cup in Belgium two weeks ago, Anthony Dean found the podium and is aiming for the final this weekend.

“(My) preparation has been really good leading into the World Championships, I have been down in San Diego getting lots of track time and work done, I’m excited and ready to go,” said Dean.

“Coming off the podium just three weeks ago in Belgium gave me a good push and I’m excited, confident and looking forward to the opportunity to show what I can do come finals Saturday.”

Reigning world champions Corben Sharrah (USA) and Alise Willoughby (USA), plus World Cup leaders Niek Kimmann (NED) and Laura Smulders (NED) will create a challenge the Australians in the battle for the rainbow jersey.

The 2018 UCI BMX World Championships take place from 5-9 June in Baku, Azerbaijan. For more information, visit the official Baku2018 website or watch the live stream. 

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​Complete Australian Team for 2018 UCI BMX World Championships

• Men: Anthony Dean (SA), Shane Rosa (SA), Kai Sakakibara (NSW), Andrew Hughes (NSW), Brandon Te Hiko (VIC), Max Cairns (VIC)
• Women: Lauren Reynolds (WA), Saya Sakakibara (NSW), Leanna Curtis (NSW), Erin Lockwood (QLD), Sara Jones (QLD)
• Junior men: Nathaniel Rodway (NSW), Izaac Kennedy (QLD), Kyle Hill (QLD), Kye Affoo (QLD)
• Junior women: Ashlee Miller (NSW), Edan Whitlock (QLD)

For the third time in four 2018 UCI BMX Supercross World Cup rounds, Saya Sakakibara has found the podium with the NSW rider finished third at the fourth round of the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup Series in Papendal, the Netherlands, this morning.
Only the might of reigning world champion Alise Willoughby and hometown hero Judy Baauw was enough to stop the 19-year old who is on her debut in the elite fields.
With two bronze medals and a silver to start the 2018 World Cup series, Sakakibara sits comfortably in second place on the overall standings 450 points with ladder leader Laura Smulders only 100 points in front.
“I came in today with the same sort of mindset from yesterday and that was just to have fun,” Sakakibara said. “In the final I was able to get into second place around the track and I kind of messed up the last straight which cost me, but I am really happy I finished third, it was an awesome weekend and I’ve learnt so much.”

Australian Cycling Team's Saya Sakakibara has opened the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup season with two podium appearances at the opening round in France.

Sakakibara grabbed bronze in round one and backed it up with silver in round two in on the Saint-Quentin-En-Yvelines track.

​“I am feeling very excited and so tired,” Sakakibara said post race. “I’ve had two big weekends of racing. But also two podiums from two world cups and that’s great, it’s very awesome.
 
“My start in the final today was a good one, and I was able to come from lane three to the inside of the track into third spot, then grabbed second at the first corner. I was catching Laura down the last straight and thought I might try for that first place spot, but I was a bit short.
 
“I am extremely happy with that silver medal place!”