October 01, 2018 (Santiago del Estero, Argentina) – Canada’s Drew Mechielsen of Langley, BC, finished off the BMX World Cup season with a ninth place finish in Santiago del Estero, Argentina, on Saturday in Elite women. Mechielsen’s result, combined with 11th on Sunday, moved her into eighth place overall for the Series.

Avriana Hebert of Edmonton, Alberta, made it to the quarterfinal round of the Elite women at her first World Cup. In Elite men, Alex Tougas of Pitt Meadows, BC, was 34th, and James Palmer of North Vancouver, BC, was 36th.

“I’m happy that I was in position to possibly make the Finals [missing by one spot], said Mechielsen. I wish I could have pushed it a little bit further, but I’m looking forward to improving next year. I’m really happy with my top-8 ranking in the World Cup.”

“I’m happy with Drew’s ride here,” said Adam Muys, Head BMX Coach at Cycling Canada. “She was in position to qualify for the Finals, and contested against some of the major players in the sport; great improvements this season. Alex and James had some really fast rides, but tactically missed spots to move on in their races. Avriana’s first World Cup was a bit of an eyeopener for her, but she came back the second day, finishing in the quarterfinals, which is great for her first time.”