WAIS scholarship athlete Lauren Reynolds hopes a breakthrough victory in the USA last week has her ready to threaten the world’s best at this weekend’s UCI BMX Supercross world cup event in Papendal, the Netherlands.
Reynolds has been in red hot form across the USABMX Supercross circuit over the last few weeks, snaring three podium finishes and a maiden victory in Colorado which she will now look to transfer to the world cup stage when she squares off against current ratings leader Caroline Buchanan, world champion Stefany Hernandez and Olympic champ Mariana Pajon amongst a host of riders looking to gain early favouritism for Rio.
With the Australian contingent for Rio to be settled after the world championships at the end of this month, a solid performance for Reynolds in Papendal will also help the American-based London Olympian cement her position in the world’s top eight alongside Buchanan and make it very difficult for any other Australians to stop that duo earning Australia’s two spots in Rio.
A confident Reynolds said her maiden victory on the USABMX circuit would provide the perfect springboard for a busy campaign ahead.
“The last two weeks of back to back racing has been great with three podium finishes and my first ever win last weekend in Colorado,” she said.
“My form is feeling really good and confidence is high. Having that race time against a good group of competitors is perfect prep for me coming into Papendal this weekend.”
Reynolds is the type of big strong athlete that loves nothing more than racing in regular competition and is taking a race-by-race approach to her Olympic campaign.
“I love racing and the more laps I can get in under pressure the better off I am,” she said.
“I’m thrilled to be constantly in the top three (in the USA) and excited to get out on this wide open track in Papendal this weekend.
“Always having a focus is important and with a busy year like this one, race by race and step by step is the best approach.
“It’s important not to get ahead of yourself and lose sight.
“With Olympics still in the back of my mind, there is plenty of work to be done prior and results to get along the way. Staying in the moment to make the most of every situation is important right now.”
