Olympic BMX Supercross Elite Woman Winner Shanaze Reade

A wet windy front pushed through the new Olympic Venue putting a dampner on the days racing. A reduced race format due to the weather and the ever present pressure from the British media and public didn't disrupt Shanaze Reades focus as she blazed to victory on the facilities first test race before the Olympics. Riders expressed concern about the exposed nature of the track. In perfect conditions most loved its flowing dynamics but wind can quickly whip up and be amplified by the new buildings, especially the Velodrome, with its sculptured curves that seem to funnel the wind up the first straight and 8metre start hill unnerving the riders as they jump shoulder to shoulder over 30ft obstacles at speeds in excess of 50km/ph.
Reade stated
“I think the track for the females is on the limits when the wind changes. When it was blowing hard down the first straight it was hard for the girls – I think something needs to be done there. A few changes need to be made but overall the track was fantastic.”
Second place New Zealand rider Sarah Walker also expressed concern about the wind and vunerablity of the track to rain damage stating that she would like to see it as an indoor venue.
As a test race for the Olympics lessons have been learnt and in trying conditions the track builders and officials did a great job at putting on an event that keeps all on the seat of their pants right till the moment the finish line is crossed.