Reynolds Sets Sights on Semis After Seeding Run
BMX: Women’s Seeding Run
Athlete: Lauren Reynolds
Venue: Olympic BMX Centre
BMX athlete Lauren Reynolds has set the 10th fastest time in qualifying for the semi finals of the women’s event at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
In scorching conditions nudging 34o C, Reynolds – competing at her second Games – stopped the clock in 35.666 and will now set her sights on a top four finish in her semi final group to progress through to the medal round.
The Bunbury star, will be joined in her semi by fellow Australian Caroline Buchanan, whilst Dutch talent Laura Smulders is also poised to threaten in their moto group.
Buchanan set the second fastest time (34.752) in the seeding run and looks in good form heading into the elimination phase, but such is the nature of BMX racing, times mean nothing once the moto races begin.
The format for the women’s semi finals, sees riders complete three moto races, with points accrued and ranked across each, with the top four qualifiers from both semi finals advancing to a one-off final in the medal round.
Reynolds was satisfied with her first hit-out in Rio, but has turned her attention to the serious business of racing finals on Friday.
“It was pretty smooth and (I) got around the track but obviously always room for improvements,” Reynolds said.
“But Friday is the big day, with the racing, so that’s what I look forward to and that is certainly my stronger point.
“So happy to get today done with, happy and healthy and on to the next one.”
Semi final action commences at 12:30am Saturday morning Perth time, with the medal round to follow later, at 2:00am.