“I felt good and fast today. It was one of those days where it didn’t come in easy and I had to work for everything. I am pretty happy to start the World Cup season on the podium, and we’ll be ready for the next one,” said Nyhaug, who earned on Saturday his career third Supercross podium. “The prep has gone really well for this race, so I’ll keep doing more of the same for the next race. I have a few weeks off, which will be nice because I have been racing lots this spring.
Nyhaug, who finished fifth in yesterday’s time trials race, opened up the day with a second place in the motos, and third place of the quarterfinals. In the semi-finals, Nyhaug qualified for the Main Event with the third place.
Reigning World Champion and local superstar Liam Phillips of Great Britain took the victory of this race, edging Anthony Dean of Australia and Nyhaug at the finish line.
James Palmer of North Vancouver, BC finished seventh of his quarter final heat, and ranked 25th overall.
“I am very excited for the 2014 season. The riders showed some great poise, and the quality of the riders in this event was top notch. Today had to be one of the hardest race in BMX, and James Palmer came away to the quarterfinals and Tory Nyhaug taking the third place,” said Ken Cools, head coach of the Canadian BMX team. “The team worked well, we had a couple of ups and downs, with Jimmy and Corey both going down with hopefully minor injuries. The team culture is at an all-time high, and we are working great together right now. Double Tap.”
Corey Walsh, who injured himself yesterday during the qualifying motos, is looking forward to the next race: “I am doing good… a little banged up and bruised my hips and hit my head. I’ll be ready for the next World Cup race in Papendal. I’ll try to ride more and get more track time leading up to the next race and make sure everything is dialed in.”
The next UCI BMX Supercross World Cup is slated for May 11, in Papendal, the Netherlands.
Results
Elite Men
1. Liam Phillips (GBR)
2. Anthony Dean (AUS)
3. Tory Nyhaug (CAN)
4. Edzus Treimanis (LAT)
5. Kyle Evans (GBR)
6. Connor Fields (USA)
7. Joris Daudet (FRA)
8. Marc Willers (NZL)