Quillan Isidore makes progress at UCI BMX Supercross World Cup in Papendal
By Mark Ashenden
Last Updated: 14/05/16 12:40am
BMX star Quillan Isidore showed increasing signs of maturity in the Netherlands at the weekend, while Lucy Garner helped her team in China.
The 19-year-old Isidore was one of four Great Britain Cycling Team riders in action at the National Sports Centre at Papendal - a venue he made his World Cup debut appearance at outside the UK in 2015.
Having missed the opening World Cup round in Santiago del Estero before reaching the motos at round two on home turf in Manchester, the Sky Academy Sports Scholar had been in buoyant mood to take on the notoriously tricky conditions and attacking track.
The south London rider said: "I got some good work in the weeks leading into the race so I was feeling positive and confident.
"The track is a replica of the Rio Olympic track, which made for some fast racing with lots of opportunities for passing as it was wide open. I loved it!
"My qualification races I finished sixth, second and first. A little mistake going for top place in my first race put me back and so I couldn't afford any more mistakes or I wouldn't qualify with 140 riders going for 48 spots.
"I made it to the finals day and the headwinds got up to 18mph which made it very difficult. I struggled with my starts but I gave it my all to come back. I was knocked out, but in my final heat I wanted to prove to myself that I can beat these fast riders if I deliver what I'm capable of.
"I finished third and it wasn't enough to qualify for the quarter-finals but I was happy I finished on a high. Overall, I rode and raced very well - improving in every race and gaining more confidence and vital experience.
"I even stayed on my bike too! So I'm only moving forward and I'm very happy with myself."
Even further round the globe but still on two wheels, Lucy Garner was strutting her stuff in the Tour of Chongming Island.
The 21-year-old Wiggle High5 star, unveiled on Tuesday as Sky's Sportswoman of the Month, was part of the sprint team who helped to guide team-mate Chloe Hosking to victory on a rainy course in China.
After her sterling efforts over the 112.8 kilometre stage, Garner said: "The team worked amazingly together and we all competed to helping Chloe with the overall win.
"It was close over the finish but Chloe managed to hold on by one second. It's a really big world tour win for Wiggle High5 and it was great that I could contribute to the success."
It was a fine show by Australian Hosking and she paid tribute to Garner and co. for their work over the two days of racing.
"I'm so proud of our team," Hosking said. "The girls really rose to the occasion and rode like they were protecting the yellow jersey. I kind of felt like the proud mother hen sitting at the back of the peloton and just watching them control everything.''
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