05.18.08 - Erwood and Miller win elite titles at Tim Hortons National Cycling Championships BMX Nationals

ABBOTSFORD, B.C. – Scott Erwood of Abbotsford successfully defended his men’s title and Christine Miller of Airdrie earned her first national title on Saturday in the elite competition at the Tim Hortons BMX Nationals.

In the men’s elite event, Erwood placed first on the 360-metre track course. James Brown of Airdrie was second and Patrick Lebel of Calgary third. With the victory, Erwood assures himself a spot at the world championships May 31 in China and keeps his Olympic dream alive.

The worlds are the last opportunity to qualify for the Games.

‘’ I had to win to go to the worlds,’’ said Erwood. ‘’I was competing against good riders. I envisioned myself winning and that’s what I did. At the worlds I want to finish in the top 32 and maybe qualify for the Olympics.’’

In women’s competition, Miller produced her first career victory at the elite national level with Kaila Sweeney of Calgary second and Danielle Brisson of Chilliwack, B.C., third. Canada’s top-ranked rider Samantha Cools of Calgary is not competing here this weekend with a worlds berth already locked-up.

‘’I am happy to get a berth on the world championship team,’’ said Miller. ‘’My hard training all year has finally paid off. It's going to be a tough field at the worlds because it is an Olympic year, but my goal is to reach the quarterfinals at least.’’

In men’s junior competition, Joey Trudeau and Hugo Leduc-Benoit, both of St-Jean-sur Richelieu, Que., finished 1-2 respectively with Jeffrey Jacobsen of Calgary third.

In the junior female event, Brookelyn Wilkinson of Abbotsford was the winner with Sarah Biron of Trois-Rivieres, Que., second and Jocelyn Rutko of Okatoks, Alta., third.

Competition ends Sunday.