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30 from 30 with the Australian Cycling Team

1/5/2020

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The #AusCyclingTeam’s ‘30 from 30 Series’ featured current and former Australian Cycling Team athletes, coaches and staff showing us the different, creative and unique ways they are keeping healthy and active both physically and mentally, and staying connected while in isolation or lockdown across Australia and the world.  
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BMX | Aussies find home soil BMX Supercross World Cup podium

3/2/2020

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The opening two rounds of the 2020 UCI BMX Supercross World Cup were held in Shepparton on February 1-2 with Saya Sakakibara and Anthony Dean finding a home soil podium.  

The World Cups will be one of the last chances for riders to perform and grab qualifying points before the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Eyeing a maiden Olympic selection, Saya Sakakibara, 20, kickstarted her 2020 season with silver in round one behind reigning world champion Alise Willoughby (USA) and 2016 Olympic gold medallist Marian Pajon (COL). Watch Round 1.
 
In round two, Sakakibara grabbed fourth after fighting back following a tangle at the first berm of the race won by Willoughby. Watch Round 2.

"First home World Cup, Saturday for round one I was feeling really good, running lane one all day. In the final, I knew I had a good gate but just couldn't execute. Stuck in second. Close, but not close enough," said Sakakibara. "On Sunday for round two, it was tough conditions, but I felt I adapted really well. I almost went down in the first corner, but just held it and when I saw I was still in third I thought I was ok, but just couldn't catch back up when I dropped to fourth.  Fourth is not too bad, definitely wanted a lot more than that but we have next weekend in Bathurst."


2016 Olympic finalist Anthony Dean was edged by world number one Niek Kimmann (NED) in round one to take silver - Watch Round 1. A bad gate start hampered his winning chances in round two despite moving through the field from eighth to finish just off the podium in fourth. Watch Round 2.

"Little mistake in the final and I hit the start, was looking for the win after a flawless day to that point. But I am still happy with the weekend and really looking forward to next weekend.  Really want to get that win," Anthony Dean. 


Dual Olympian and eight-time world champion Caroline Buchanan continued her comeback with a quarter-final appearance in round one before progressing to her first semi-final in four seasons in round two. 

"Straight in the deep end, felt a lot of nerves being out two and a half year from the WorldTour," said Buchana. "The level of the sport has progressed so far, from the quarterfinals onwards it feels like a final. Being in the mix of the racing felt different but I took a lot of wins from Saturday's racing and I wanted to make it into the semi finals for Sunday which I did. 

"I had a big smile on me face when the camera came across me in that semi final, it has been a hell of a journey to get back here."


A tough weekend for Kai Sakakibara who made it through to the semi finals on Sunday. 

"A bit of a rough weekend for me, finishing Saturday in the 1/8th final, and then coming unstuck in the semi final today. I tiis a little bi of a disappointing weekend knowing how good I have been going. My biggest upset is not being able to replicate what I have been doing in training. But I am happy with where I am heading and I am really looking forward to the next two rounds in Bathurst."

The action moves to New South Wales town of Bathurst on February 8-9 for rounds three and four. 


  • World Cup Website https://www.bmxworldcup.com/ 
  • UCI BMX Results https://www.uci.org/bmx-racing/results 
View this post on Instagram

4th place today in World Cup round 2.. Absolutely gutted to have hit the gate in the final after a flawless day of not loosing a lap. ??? 2 & 4th for the weekend is awesome despite my mistake and we have momentum into next weekend to give it another shot. I wouldn’t be in this shape if it weren’t for @swilloughby91_ dedication to helping me day in day out. I thank you bro and I am excited to have found our formula that works together ??! - - Thank you to everyone for the amazing support in the crowd and my family’s for coming ❤️???? Again to all my team behind me, thank you! Re-group and recover ready for more. ? #BMX #WorldCup ? by @navadanet @ucibmxsx @craigdutton @auscyclingbmx

A post shared by Anthony Dean (@anthonydean44) on Feb 1, 2020 at 11:20pm PST

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BMX | Home soil racing for Aussie stars en route to Tokyo

29/1/2020

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Photo - Craig Dutton
For the first time in more than ten years, the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup is coming to Australia with over 200 of the world's best riders from over 30 countries heading to Shepparton and Bathurst this February. 

The opening two rounds of the 2020 UCI BMX Supercross World Cup will be held in Shepparton on February 1-2, before the action moves to New South Wales town of Bathurst on February 8-9 for rounds three and four. 

The World Cups will be one of the last chances for riders to perform and grab qualifying points before the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Cycling Australia's Technical Director Wade Bootes is excited about the home soil advantage and the opportunities for all BMX riders from the 2020 Olympic aspirants to future stars. 

"From developing athletes to our top tier riders, having that home crowd support is going to be huge, and I think the excitement from this is going to give all athletes the chance to rise to all-new levels. 

"What is better is that it's going to be great for development, especially for our juniors who will step in for that experience. In addition to this, it gives the opportunity for our top riders to deliver those critical results."

In all, 48 Australian riders will compete in Shepparton and 51 in Bathurst lead by the Australian Cycling Team's Anthony Dean, Caroline Buchanan plus Saya and Kai Sakakibara, who are chasing Olympic selection.

Saya Sakakibara, 20, is eyeing her maiden Olympic selection and enters the 2020 season after multiple top-five finishes across the 2019 World Cup rounds as well as seventh at the World Championships. 

Also chasing his first Olympic team nod is world number nine Kai Sakakibara, 23, while 2016 Olympic finalist Dean, 28, will chase his second. 

Dual Olympian and eight-time world champion Caroline Buchanan, 29, will continue her comeback after a two-year absence from the sport as she chases a record third Games. 
View this post on Instagram

It’s race week @ucibmxsx #ucibmx #ucibmxsx

A post shared by Caroline Buchanan Action Sport (@cbuchanan68) on Jan 27, 2020 at 7:39pm PST

While medals at the World Cups will be a nice result on home soil, Bootes is hoping to guide his athletes to their ultimate performance come July's Games in Tokyo. 

"I think the main goal for me and across the board is to provide good guidance to our riders so that they can deliver their best performance on the day," said Bootes.


"Obviously grabbing Olympic medals for freestyle or racing would be great, but if our riders can perform to the best of their ability then that will be just as successful."

Each city will host two rounds of the World Cup across the weekend, with qualifying and the early rounds taking part in the morning and early afternoon with the finals from 4pm onwards.

More details at www.bmxworldcup.com â€‹
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OPPY | Australian Team celebrate at 2019 Cyclist of the Year Awards

16/12/2019

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Ashlee Ankudinoff | Photo - John Veage
Caleb Ewan was awarded the sixty-third Sir Hubert 'Oppy' Opperman Medal for 2019 Cyclist of the Year at the star-studded awards celebration held in Brisbane on Monday 16 December. 
 
A tremendous year on the bike in 2019 saw Ewan claim 22 podium appearances, and several stage wins on the World Tour in his first year with Lotto Soudal.  Ewan surged to claim three stage wins at the Tour de France, while finishing on the podium seven times and second in the points classification. He also won two stages of the Giro d'Italia. 
 
Amanda Spratt claimed the Elite Female Road Cyclist of the Year award for a second straight year. Her 2019 was highlighted by bronze at the World Road Championships where she became the first Australian woman to win two career World Championships road race medals. 
 
Ashlee Ankudinoff and Sam Welsford took home the Elite Track Cyclist of the Year honours. 
 
Ankudinoff won dual crowns at the World Championships, firstly in the team pursuit with Annette Edmondson, Amy Cure, Alexandra Manly and Georgia Baker, before soloing to an individual pursuit crown. 
 
Welsford won dual world titles in 2019 including the team pursuit crown in world record time alongside Alex Porter, Cam Scott, Leigh Howard and Kelland O'Brien and the scratch race. 
 
Carol Cooke and Darren Hicks were judged the Para Road Cyclists of the Year. Cooke raced to win dual rainbows at the 2019 World Championships and win the overall 2019 World Cup series, while Hicks won the C2 time trial world title and two World Cup gold on the season. 
 
Paige Greco took out the Para Female Track Cyclist of the Year award following dual both the individual pursuit and time trial world titles in world record time at the 2019 World Championships.
 
Alistair Donohoe claimed the Para Male Track Cyclist award after taking dual world titles at the 2019 World Championships in the individual pursuit and the scratch race. 


2019 Cyclist of the Year Awards Winners  

  • Elite Road Para-cycling - Female: Carol Cooke
  • Elite Road Para-cycling - Male: Darren Hicks
  • Elite Track Para-cycling - Female: Paige Greco
  • Elite Track Para-cycling - Male: Alistair Donohoe
  • Elite Track - Female: Ashlee Ankudinoff
  • Elite Track - Male: Sam Welsford
  • Elite Road - Female: Amanda Spratt
  • Elite Road - Male: Caleb Ewan
  • Elite MTB - Female: Tracey Hannah
  • Elite MTB - Male: Sam Hill
  • Elite BMX - Female: Saya Sakakibara
  • Elite BMX - Male: Brandon Loupos
  • Coach of the Year - International: Tim Decker
PHOTOS - by John Veage
QUOTES

Darren Hicks
Just this last weekend, we saw seven world records broken,so  you don’t just win one race and that’s a good year, you need to keep winning. I won three of the four World Cups on the road, two world championships and three national championships, and that’s barely enough. We have such a strong para squad and it’s a pleasure to be a part of it. It’s amazing to get this award.  
 
Paige Greco 
I’ve had a really awesome year, and it means a lot. Every time I look at it reminds me of an awesome year and it’s my first year on the team. I’ve been working really hard, and it’s been really good to see the results. It’s been an amazing year and I still can’t believe where I have been with my teammates!

Alistair Donohoe
This award highlights the fact I had to win three world championships just to get the award. David Nicholas was in there and he didn’t get an award. We’ve got some serious depth so it’s kind of exciting. I am stoked [with where I’m at], it just feels amazing to be back where I think I should be, after some ill health in 2017, I am really building back up in 2019. 

I personally think this award personally means a lot to me tonight. 

Carol Cooke
We have such a strong group of para-cyclists and that many world champions on this team. That being singled out for this [award] is very special, especially at this age and you know I hope that by showing people that it doesn’t matter what number it is that’s attached to your age and that if you love doing something that you can just keep doing it and reap the benefits of it. 
I think that this year has probably been the best year I’ve ever had because I didn’t put the pressure on myself that I had to be on the top step it was about enjoying it, it was about having fun and I probably had the most fun that I’ve ever had in a year of racing. 

Brandon Loupos
I don’t think it could have been better. It was cool. I can’t wait for 2020. I did so much learning in 2019 and it’s all about keeping that consistency in 2020 and to go or the gold in Tokyo. Logan won it (this award) two years in a row and I am stoked to come away with the win this year, it’s definitely an honour and to be the elite BMX cyclist of the year is pretty special. There’s a lot of world champions who don’t get to win this award and I’m blessed to not only win a world championship but to also win this award. 
 
Saya Sakakibara
It was a challenging but fulfilling season. Compared to last year I didn’t produce the results; I had a lot of mental challenges and having six crashes in four months it was definitely really tough to line up on the gate with other riders. But with the worlds I thought my performance was really good, I didn’t get the results I wanted but it adds fuel to the fire and makes me a lot hungrier. I finished off the season with a win at the Olympic test event and is such a great confidence booster. 
 
Amanda Spratt
It’s been a really great year and I am really proud to get this award tonight it caps it off, I think it’s been my best year to date. Maybe I didn’t get the same results on paper as what I got last year but I am really, really proud to finish off with a bronze medal after a great team performance also. It’s amazing, I love coming to this event every year, you get so much motivation out of it. You see the videos of what people have done and hear some stories you maybe didn’t know about some people and it’s just a feeling of motivation and excitement. I always walk out of here, ready to bust into training the next day!
 
Ashlee Ankudinoff
It’s pretty humbling, to be honest. I’ve been in this sport for ten years now and it’s been a long time coming. I’ve had a successful career and now I am getting towards the end so it’s really nice to come here and celebrate the success, not just the success of myself but of others. I definitely think I am in the form of my life. I have a great support network back in Adelaide and the environment there is unbelievable. I have trust in the process in what we’re doing. I go to training every day knowing that I have the support from everyone from the Cycling Australia staff.  Olympic gold is why I am still riding. I definitely would not be riding if I had ticked all my goals off and the Olympic gold is definitely one, and hopefully next August I can do that.


Sam Welsford
It’s been a ripper year. I never thought I’d be able to go dual world champion in one year, so I’m just really over the moon. I love coming to the Awards, it’s such a special night, to see Australia’s best come through to all celebrate the year we’ve had. I get really gee’d up when I see the year’s recap video, it makes you really forget about the Awards itself and makes you realise how special it is to ride for Australia.  
 
(On Tim Decker receiving Coach of the Year Award) Tim holds a special place in my heart he’s been my coach for a long time, starting in 2015 when I first moved to Adelaide, Tim backed me a said “look mate, if you want to be apart of this you’ve got to put the work in” so, I trusted him from then on. Really happy for him to get that award and I know that he holds the award itself very close to him. He strives and works really hard for that I think this is just a testament to what he puts in. 
​
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BMX | Sakakibara wins Tokyo test event

12/10/2019

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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.”
Earlier in qualifying, Sakakibara claimed a first and second in the motos, before a second in the semi final sent her through to the final.

“In the final, my start wasn’t very good, but I was able to go through the pack and surprise myself with a win which was really unexpected,” said Sakakibara, who is aiming for her maiden Australian team selection for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

“It was really cool to test out the track, being here at the Olympic track is crazy. I am on a high right now and I am excited to work on the areas I need to work on as it is a very technical track.

“Hopefully I can get myself onto the Australian team (for Tokyo 2020) and come back and go for the (Olympic) gold medal.”

Anthony Dean just missed the podium in fourth, while injury cut Kai Sakakibara’s day short.
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BMX SX | Saya grabs fourth; Dean & Kai OK after crashing in USA World Cup

18/9/2019

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Photo - Craig Dutton
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."
View this post on Instagram

Heyyy □ look at that. A crash free weekend, faced some of my personal mental fears and found myself in 2 finals at Rounds 7 + 8 @ucibmxsx World Cup! #yessss Day 1 - #5 Day 2 - one place better #4 So next time be ... #3? Haha kidding □We’ll see in 2 weeks in Argentina □□! As always thanks for the support! ❤️ 怪我もなく、大会が終わった! 2日とも決勝に進出し、1日目は5位で、2日目は一歩上がって4位でフィニッシュすることが出来た!嬉しい!次は3位かな???なんちゃって。 次はアルゼンチン!これからも頑張ろう!いつも応援ありがとうございます。 #worldcup #bmx #racing #shaka

A post shared by Saya Sakakibara (@sayasakakibara) on Sep 17, 2019 at 2:03am PDT

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. 
View this post on Instagram

Not photoshopped ??‍♂️??? Still can’t believe I walked away from this without any major injuries! Thank you to everyone for the messages in my last post, if you haven’t seen it go watch ?????? #BMX #SoreAnkles ? by @navadanet

A post shared by Anthony Dean (@anthonydean44) on Sep 16, 2019 at 12:07pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

I don’t know what to say about this weekend. A collision & crash ended both of my days in the 1/8 Final. Honestly I’m pretty gutted as I came into the event in great form, but that’s racing sometimes. Luckily the body is okay. I have to say a big congrats to @izaackennedy on a stellar performance on Friday and taking one for Team Aus this weekend. I’ll be ready to go again in Argentina for the next World Cup. ワールドカップ第7、8戦は2日とも1/8決勝でライダーと接触し、転倒してしまいました。今年最悪の結果となってしまい、正直ショックです。こういう事もあるんだな。あまり自分を責めすぎず、いい感じに仕上がっていた調子を次に繋げることが課題です。引き続き応援よろしくお願いします!#sakakibarabmx

A post shared by Kai Sakakibara 榊原魁 (@sakakibarakai) on Sep 16, 2019 at 5:52am PDT

UCI Rankings after Rd8:

Men
  • Kai Sakakibara: 13th 380 points
  • Anthony Dean: 23rd 245 points
Women
  • Saya Sakakibara: 8th 515 points
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BMX | Australian Cycling Team BMX Race Athlete Membership for 2019-20

28/8/2019

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Saya Sakakibara in action. Photo @ Craig Dutton.
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
Images © Craig Dutton
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BMX | Heartbreak for Australia in Belgium

28/7/2019

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Sakakibara © Craig Dutton
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."
Picture
© Craig Dutton
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
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BMX | Australian Team Guide for 2019 UCI BMX SX World Championships

25/7/2019

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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 ​​

#BMXWorlds Those post Worlds practice feels □□□□
Elite & Junior Motos & Finals are on this Saturday night night from 9pm! #auscyclingteam #bmxzolder2019 pic.twitter.com/AFjv7tgeQy

— AusCyclingTeam (@AusCyclingTeam) July 25, 2019
 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. 
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BMX | Sakakibara siblings fine tune skills for Worlds on Zolder track

22/7/2019

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Saya and Kai Sakakibara will be hoping an intimate knowledge of the Belgian track will play to their advantage at the 2019 UCI BMX Racing World Championships which take place in Belgium this week. 

The Wollongong siblings have based themselves in the Netherlands for much of 2019, just across the border from Zolder’s World Championship track.
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 which forced 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.” 
View this post on Instagram

1️⃣3️⃣ DAY count down to the @ucibmxsx World Championships, our biggest race of the year and an important one to qualifying Australia for Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. □□ As we enter the taper, the training volume decreases but the emphasis on detail, rest and switching off becomes a big priority. Eyes on the prize □——> □□ It’s go time soon. 世界選まであと13日!これからのトレーニング量が少なくなり、リカバリーがフォーカスなる! 頑張ります! #worlds #bmx #focus #competition

A post shared by Saya Sakakibara (@sayasakakibara) on Jul 14, 2019 at 3:41am PDT

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. ​
View this post on Instagram

A typical training day at @speijerssports . Finding the right training environment is one of the hardest things when traveling, but Speijers has been the perfect home gym away from home to continue working on all the necessities to keep the motor running. 2 weeks out from the Worlds, so volume is decreasing and we are upping the intensity. Making great progress. 世界選手権まで残すところ2週間。少しずつ練習量を減らしながら、体を調整していきます。いい感じです!#sakakibarabmx

A post shared by Kai Sakakibara 榊原魁 (@sakakibarakai) on Jul 12, 2019 at 3:02am PDT

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
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BMX | Veterans primed for 2019 Worlds in Belgium

17/7/2019

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Picture
Photo © Craig Dutton
The 13-member Australian Team is finalising preparations for the 2019 UCI BMX Racing World Championships to be held in Belgium from July 23-27. 

Team stalwarts Lauren Reynolds and Anthony Dean, who boast more than a dozen World Championship campaigns between them, are ready to fire. 

2016 Olympic finalist Dean heads to a six 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, 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 focussed 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 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.” 

Hear from Anthony

HEAR FROM LAUREN

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
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BMX | SX Worlds 2019 Team announcement

18/6/2019

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Cycling Australia is pleased to announce a twelve member Australian Team which will contest the 2019 BMX Racing World Championships in Belgium in July.

The elite team is headlined by siblings Saya Sakakibara and Kai Sakakibara alongside Olympians Lauren Reynolds and Anthony Dean.

Wollongong’s Saya Sakakibara heads into the World Championships following a solid first half to her 2019 World Cup Season which boasts two finals appearances highlighted by fifth last week in round six in France.

Kai Sakakibara equalled his career-best World Cup result with a fourth-place finish in May’s third round, while Dean’s consistent season has seen him reach the finals in France and semi finals on two occasions.

Dual Olympian Lauren Reynolds continues her push for a third Games with a string of strong performances highlighted by fourth in round four in May.

Matt Krasevskis, Izaac Kennedy, Josh McLean will make their elite World Championship debut after strong performances during domestic and international events.

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

“The current international race scene is tougher than ever and the selected team have demonstrated they are the strongest individuals and able to qualify through the rounds against an international field,” Wade Bootes, Cycling Australia BMX Technical Director.

“Performances from Australian athletes during the first six World Cups this year have highlighted that while we have some challenges to overcome, we have also confirmed we are on a trajectory to meet our objective of a medal winning result at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.”

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)

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 - AustralianCyclingTeam
  • Instagram - @australiancyclingteam
  • Twitter - @AusCyclingTeam

BMX World Championships


  • Official website
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BMX | Aussie Trio continue charge toward Tokyo in France

6/6/2019

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‪#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

TEASER

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BMX SX | Kai claims career best World Cup result

13/5/2019

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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.
View this post on Instagram

4th place finish yesterday! I honestly just feel relieved to get my first World Cup main event of the year ticked off. Another step forward. Game face on for another round of racing again today. Let’s go. □ ワールドカップ第3戦、決勝4位で終えました!今年初の決勝進出なので嬉しいです!今日も第4戦なので、頑張ります!#sakakibarabmx □ -?

A post shared by Kai Sakakibara 榊原魁 (@sakakibarakai) on May 12, 2019 at 2:32am PDT

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."
View this post on Instagram

I’m THIS stoked to be racing this weekend, and so thankful my new @shoeihelmetsaus arrived in time looking fresh and pretty□ thanks @redbullau / @airtrix #yipee Let’s be real, the old one took a good beatin’ the last few weekends... @ucibmxsx Rounds 3 + 4 Papendal. Lets give it another shot□ Thanks @merelsmulders for the pic □ 今週はワールドカップ第3戦と4戦目!新しく塗っていただいたかっこいいヘルメットがちょうど間に合って嬉しい□ #worldcup #racing #papendal #sunpleasestayout ☀️

A post shared by Saya Sakakibara (@sayasakakibara) on May 11, 2019 at 1:54am PDT

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€‹

WATCH THE ACTION FROM PAPENDAL

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BMX SX | World Cup Round 1 & 2 Recap

29/4/2019

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Photo - UCI BMX Supercross Facebook
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."
View this post on Instagram

‪#UCIBMXWC Great to see @sayasakakibara smiling after a semi final crash in the @ucibmxsx World Cup opening round overnight. After crashing in the front straight and being knocked unconscious, Saya was take to hospital but has been cleared of injury but will sit out Sunday’s second round. She ultimately finished 16th in the round. □Catch the action from Manchester https://youtu.be/83TaFyUF0qY #AusCyclingTeam ‬ ‪[ @cyclingaustralia @ausolympicteam ] ‬

A post shared by Australian Cycling Team (@australiancyclingteam) on Apr 27, 2019 at 3:27pm PDT

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​
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BMX | Supercross World Cup season Preview

23/4/2019

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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."
View this post on Instagram

From Verona to Manchester□□ A cool change in weather ❄️ but weather doesn’t matter when you have an insane indoor facility like this □ It’s a simple track but it has its challenging aspects and it’s going to be exciting when it holds the first stop of @ucibmxsx World Cup at the end of the month. □□ I guess this time I can’t blame it on the wind when I get sketchy □ ヴェローナと比べると、マンチェスターは寒いし雨が多いけど、綺麗な屋内の施設があるから問題なし! このコースはシンプルだけど、色々な難しい要素がある。今月末ワールドカップ初戦がここで行われるので、そのための練習が今週中にできて嬉しい□ Followed by @sakakibarakai #indoor #POV #track #follow

A post shared by Saya Sakakibara (@sayasakakibara) on Apr 8, 2019 at 1:38am PDT

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."
View this post on Instagram

Manchester, UK □□ . It’s been a great week here getting to know the new track! Yes, it’s tamer than before, but there is still the psychological challenge of trusting yourself to go at it in a race situation around this tight track, as well as having to be extra smooth and tactically smart being very few passing opportunities. Taking away the learnings from this week to come back ready for the World Cup at the end of the month! Final session on the track tomorrow. 月末に行われるワールドカップ開幕戦の事前合宿のために、イギリス・マンチェスターに来ています!コースは屋内なので、天候の心配がないことは最高ですが、やはり普段の屋外のコースと比べてスケールが小さいので、タイトなレースになりそうです。火曜日にオランダの宿泊先に移動します!#sakakibarabmx

A post shared by Kai Sakakibara 榊原魁 (@sakakibarakai) on Apr 7, 2019 at 2:17am PDT

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."
View this post on Instagram

Which color outfit for the World Cup next week? □ 1 or 2? □⚫️ @auscyclingbmx #TeamAustralia □□□□

A post shared by Anthony Dean (@anthonydean44) on Apr 16, 2019 at 1:23am PDT

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€‹
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BMX SX | Saya and Kai Sakakibara claim 2019 Oceania crowns

21/1/2019

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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 

Great win from Saya Sakakibara at the 2019 @OceaniaCycling BMX Titles in Te Awamutu, New Zealand yesterday! Her brother Kai took out the win in the mens! #AussieCycling #OCC video via @OceaniaCycling pic.twitter.com/BICrbofcqm

— Cycling Australia (@CyclingAus) January 19, 2019

PHOTOS

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BMX | Saya Sakakibara claims World Cup win; finishes season second overall

1/10/2018

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Photo - Craig Dutton
Australian teenager Saya Sakakibara is celebrating after claiming the win in the final UCI BMX Supercross World Cup, which also secured second overall for the Wollongong cyclist on the year-end international rankings.
​

“I am so over the moon,” said Sakakibara, 19. “I am so incredibly grateful for my support, and for the Australian Cycling Team for supporting me all the way and giving me the opportunity to race each round this year, especially when I contested no World Cups last year."

Round 8 FInal

Santiago del Estero, Argentina, hosted the final two rounds of the season, with Sakakibara lucky to escape with just scrapes and bruises after spectacularly crashing out of the Round 7 semi-final on Saturday when a rider crashed and took her wheels from under her. 

Recovering in time for Sunday’s eighth and final round, Sakakibara lead from the gate, and with former world champion Alise Willoughby (USA) and reigning world champion Laura Smulders (Netherlands) breathing down her neck, she surged to the victory with judges awarding the win to the Australian in a photo finish. 

“I did not expect that (win) especially after yesterday crash, I was kind of shaken up a little bit and little fearful coming into today. However, I got a good start and an excellent first straight, and I was able to make it work all the way to the finish line.”

ROUND 7 SF CRASH

View this post on Instagram

Outa nowhere!! Sending healing vibes to @brookecrain32 after this hard hit in the semi final today ❤ Fortunately, I walked away with a couple of grazes and I'm in one piece to give it another shot tomorrow □ #letsstayontwowheels □@ramiroprados46

A post shared by Saya Sakakibara (@sayasakakibara) on Sep 29, 2018 at 7:18pm PDT

Sakakibara finished second behind world champion Laura Smulders (Netherlands) on the BMX Supercross rankings after a season that included one win and four podium appearances, in addition to claiming sixth in her first elite career World Championship final.  

“My aim this year was to gain as much experience as possible, and I did exactly that. I was able to get some wins and podiums along the way, I couldn’t be happier with this season,” said Sakakibara, who will now head back to Australia to continue preparations towards Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. 

“I am really looking forward to getting back into the offseason, gaining strength, and hopefully I will come back faster and definitely will have more confidence heading into next season.  

“Every race is critical from now on in terms of Olympic qualification for Tokyo 2020, and I will be aiming for the top, for the podium, all the way to the Olympics.  

“I am working so hard to making sure I am going to be there.” 
​

In the men’s finals, Rio Olympic finalist Anthony Dean took bronze in round eight.

PHOTOS

Copyright Craig Dutton
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BMX SX | Saya sixth at World Championships

10/6/2018

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Photo © 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.”

#BMXWorlds Saya Sakakibara claimed 6th in her first career elite World Championship final. It was an unfortunate end to the final for Sakakibara who was hit by a bike in the final. “That ended things for me, but I came away with a sixth which is pretty awesome.” @AUSOlympicTeam pic.twitter.com/pf93lLEwpZ

— AusCyclingTeam (@AusCyclingTeam) June 10, 2018
In the men's, Anthony Dean finished ninth.
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Photo @ Craig Dutton
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BMX SX | Aussies arrive in Azerbaijan ahead of 2018 World ChampionshipS

6/6/2018

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Photo © Craig Dutton
​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)
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BMX | Third 2018 World Cup podium for Saya

7/5/2018

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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.”

□□□ A third podium in four 2018 @UCI_BMX_SX World Cups for Aussie Saya Sakakibara #ucibmxsx #uciworldcup #ucisx #auscyclingteam @AUSOlympicTeam @ausport pic.twitter.com/kppnzOQaSr

— AusCyclingTeam (@AusCyclingTeam) May 6, 2018
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#BMXSX dual world cup podiums for saya

2/4/2018

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Photo © UCI
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.

#BMXSX Saya Sakakibara has won silver at Rd2 of @UCI_BMX_SX World Cup in France - that’s two straight podium finishes for the 18-year-old from Wollongong after bronze yesterday! #AusCyclingTeam @AUSOlympicTeam @Ausport pic.twitter.com/aterl2ahEI

— AusCyclingTeam (@AusCyclingTeam) April 1, 2018
​“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!”

□for Round 1 of @ucibmxsx! So pumped to make it on the podium for my 3rd World Cup event. But now resting up for Round 2 tonight. Watch it live in 5 hours time -> link in bio @cyclingaustralia @bmxhpn #SakakibaraBMX Pic: @ucibmxsx @fifteenbmx

A post shared by Saya Sakakibara (@sayasakakibara) on Apr 1, 2018 at 1:56am PDT

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The ‘Australian Cycling Team’ encompasses the Olympic and Paralympic cycling discipline athletes, coaches and performance support staff who will receive program support for Track and Para, and Individual Athlete Performance Support for Road and BMX.

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