BMX: Kiwis set for world champs in Canada

New Zealand BMX riders Marc Willers and Sarah Walker enjoyed strong performances in practice today ahead of Sunday's UCI world championships (20-inch or 50.8cm Olympic class) in Canada.

The pair completed their first practice on the new track at the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre in Victoria.

Coach Grant White said both were in good form, with Kawerau's Walker ranked seventh in the world in her first year in the elite division.

The 19-year-old was ranked third in the world in the junior elite last year.

"There are only about 40 riders entered in the elite women and Sarah is among the top-10 here. Winning a place in the finals would be a great achievement," White said.

"It's a tougher task for Willers in the men's elite class, with Oceania's top ranked BMX rider going up against a field of 120 riders.

"There are probably 20 to 30 of them that could win on any given day. Marc is racing well but anything can happen at this level in BMX racing."

The world championships mark the end of the first year of qualification for BMX racing which makes its Olympic debut in Beijing next year.

Both Willers and Walker will have a second practice tomorrow morning (Canadian time) ahead of racing in the afternoon while Walker will also compete on Monday in the 24-inch Cruiser division where she was ranked No 2 in the world for juniors last year.

- NZPA