Super Nationals Highlights

Filed under General on April 06, 2014 | Comment(s)

Friday

Metroplex BMX is the center of the BMX racing world this weekend as the Super Nationals will be going down under the worlds first covered BMX facility. Tonight, in particular, marks the third anniversary of the USA Cycling National Collegiate Championships. 11 Universities have fielded riders to compete with the best BMX students in America.  The men’s class has had two different winners since the inaugural race in Chula Vista and they look to again be the ones to beat. Marian University’s Justin Posey is the defending National Champion and Lindsey Wilson College senior Danny Caluag was the victor in 2012. On the ladies side of things Grand Canyon University’s Dominique Daniels has dominated the class for the past two years. All eyes will be on her and Marian University Freshman Felicia Stancil.

Once the dust settled for the evening Marian’s Justin Posey was able to successfully defend his title and take the win, Caluag was in hot pursuit in second and we had to go to the high-speed finish line camera to determine the third place finisher and Lindsey Wilson’s Kristraps Vinters edged out Marian’s Bryce Hocking by less than the width of a tire.

The Collegiate Women’s race was just as exciting as Felicia and Dominique lined up next to each other in gates 1 and 2. After the gate slapped down there looked to be some contact between the two. Felicia survived the bumping but Dominique veered off the side of the first jump and was out of the race. Felicia’s teammate Kristen Bob quickly filled in the second spot while Lindenwood University’s Madison Pitts moved into third spot.

The future of collegiate BMX racing looks bright as the caliber of the competitors has gotten better each year. Be sure to check out the Super Nationals Pre Show segment with USA Cycling’s Regional Programs Manager Jeffrey Hansen for more information on Collegiate BMX racing!

Saturday

Round 3 of the USA BMX Pro Series rolled into Desoto and 50 men and 19 women from 16 nations joined us for the party. GT’s Shanaze Reade looked primed to take her first victory of 2014 but was unable to get to the first turn before Redline’s Alise Post. Without a doubt, Alise looks to be on a mission to regain the Women’s Pro title this year.

Elite Men looks tougher and tougher at each round of the 2014 Pro Series. As the rounds whittled down to the final eight, many top riders were eliminated. Some of the biggest surprises were Chase’s Connor Fields who was having troubles all day and hometown hero Denzel Stein who is now racing for ORP. Every moto looks like a main event these days. Come main time Redline’s Sam Willoughby went straight to the front of the pack once again but Maris Strombergs was right there next to him down the first straight.  As they entered turn 1 Sam was far enough out front to avoid any elbows but the same couldn’t be said for Maris. Redline’s other ace Tory Nyhaug and Texan turned So Calian Tanner Sebesta made their way past the 2 time gold medalist and would round out the podium.

One of the final main events on the day was one of the best. In 19-27 expert Doublecross’ Kenny Gustafson went quickly to the front of the pack but hot on his heels was Ssquared’s Tyler Whitfield. Kenny G  was weaving all across the track trying to take away any passing lanes but Whitfield was shadowing him. He made his move midway through the last turn and flew by Kenny which isn’t an easy thing to do.