Date 20. 07. 2005 (2593) |

UCI BMX NEWS MAILING July - 2005 UCI BMX NEWS MAILING July - 2005 UCI World Continental Ranking The UCI World Continental Ranking has come to an end on all four continents. Each continent has hosted 10 rounds counting for UCI ranking points in both elite and junior classes. Each rider will bring their top 7 results/points to the UCI BMX World Championships in Paris, France where the UCI World Ranking will be decided. Leading up to the 2008 Olympic Games, the Nations Ranking will from now on become very important for countries. To view the current ranking, visit; www.uci.ch/uci/bmx/online Latin America ranking The Latin American ranking finished off quite early, where homecoming USA pro, Jonathan Suarez (VEN) has dominated the series with 8 wins and the maximum points of 84. Devlin Baltazar (BRA) was the runner up with 61 points. In the Elite Women class, the current World Champion, Gabriella Diaz (ARG) was almost as equally dominant with 72 points, 16 points ahead of Kimmy Diquez (VEN). North American ranking The North American ranking has been hard, where several top riders has been fighting for the top spot in the ranking. Robert de Wilde (NED) has showed great consistency, not only being no. 1 ranked in North America, but also being the UCI no. 1 in the ranking, coming into the UCI BMX World Championships in Paris. De Wilde was followed by Mike Day (USA) and Warwick Stevenson (AUS). The Jr. Women World Champion, Kim Hayashi (USA) have had a close battle all season with Samantha Cools (CAN), where Hayashi came out on top with merely 5 points. Oceanic ranking. Luke Madill (AUS) came out on top winning four races and a total score of 81 points. Mark Willers (NZL) grabbed second with 66 points. Tanya Bailey (AUS) grabbed the Oceanic ranking title with 59 points, just edging out Krystal Cranfield (AUS) European ranking The European ranking has been a battle between Ivo Lakucs (LAT) and Thomas Allier (FRA). Although Allier grabbed the European Championship title, Lakucs came out on top on the European continental ranking with only 4 points. In her first year in the Elite Women class, Laetitia Le Courguille (FRA) has showed great maturity and consistency grabbing the top spot with 78 points, only 2 points ahead of Aneta Hladikova (CZE). Each continent also has a junior ranking (although not counting for prize money). To view all rankings, please visit; www.uci.ch. 2005 UCI BMX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, PARIS FRANCE Once again the UCI have received a record number of entries for the 2005 UCI BMX World Championships in France. 2’560 entries from 37 countries are confirming the world-wide growing interest of BMX. The organizer, Federacion Francaise de Cyclisme FFC, and UCI is gearing up towards the most memorable and important BMX event of the year, which is returning the fantastic Bercy Stadium in the middle of Paris. The practice schedule by countries has been published on the UCI website. UCI BMX SUPERCROSS WORLD CUP The first round of the 2005 UCI BMX Supercross World Cup was successfully held in Aigle, Switzerland a few weeks ago. Over 65 riders from 19 countries where on hand to conquer the purpose build elite track located outside the UCI headquarters in Switzerland. Most riders agreed that this was one of the most challenging and fun tracks they have been raced on. In the end, it was the seasoned BMX veterans that grabbed the podium spots. Robert de Wilde (NED) grabbed 1 st place, followed by Cristian Becerine (ARG) and Randy Stumpfhauser (USA). The event will be showed in a 26 minute TV show in various countries shortly. The next round of the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup, will be held in San José, CA (USA) 9-10 September together with the Dew Actions Sports Tour. UCI HIGH LEVEL TRAINING The 3-month high-level training is soon coming to an end, when the athletes will attend the UCI BMX World Championships. There are no doubt these 3-months as developed and matured the participants, promising great potential for the future. During their stay at the World Cycling Centre, they had the opportunity to also attend a few races with great success. Most noticeably has been Fabian Hernandez (COL) with a 5 th place at the European BMX Championships final, and reaching the Semi final at the UCI BMX Supercross in Aigle, Switzerland. José Luis Diaz (COL) has showed great potential with two times a 3 rd place in the Junior Men category at the European Championships series, including a semi final spot at the UCI BMX Supercross in Switzerland. Furthermore, Vilma Rimsaite (LIT) grabbed the European no. 1 title in the Women Cruiser class, and 16 year old Swiss phenomena Yvan Lapraz grabbed the Cruiser title as well. More titles are expected when this potential group arrives at the Bercy stadium later this month. NATIONAL TEAMS AT THE WORLD CYCLING CENTRE From 17th to 24th July 2005, 17 of the top French riders including Thomas Allier (2000 World Champion and 2004 European Champion), Florent Boutte (multiple European Champion), the Junior rider Pablo Gutierrez (2002 Juniors World Champion) and Blandine Cottereau (silver medallist at the 2003 and 2004 European Championships) will perfect their performances in view of the upcoming UCI BMX World Championships which will be held at Paris-Bercy from 29th to 31st July 2005. Also present at the World Cycling Centre, are ten of the best Australian BMX riders, including the 2004 Elite World Champion, Warwick Stevenson, Luke Madill, Kamikaze and the talented riders Kristal Cranfield, Melissa Mankowski and Nicole Callisto (all three finalists at the 2004 World Championships) will put the finishing touches to their training for Bercy.