05.31.08 - Canada adds men’s Olympic spot, Cools fifth at BMX worlds

TAIYUAN, China – Samantha Cools of Airdrie, Alta., placed fifth in women’s competition while Canada assured itself an Olympic spot on the men’s side on Saturday at the BMX cycling world championships.

In the women’s elite event, Shanaze Reade of Britain won the gold medal with Ann-Caroline Chausson of France second and Sarah Walker of New Zealand third. Cools who has been battling a neck injury this spring came within a wheel’s width of a medal and took fifth spot.

Cools had already earned the country an Olympic spot by accumulating points in the nation’s rankings with her past performances.

Canadian champion Christine Miller of Airdrie and Kaila Sweeney of Calgary were eliminated in the quarterfinals while Danielle Brisson of Chilliwack, B.C., didn’t get past the qualifying round.

In the men’s elite event, Maris Strombergs of Lithuania was the winner with Stephen Cisar of the U.S., second and Sifiso Nhlapo of South Africa third.

The Canadian men were battling for one of the last six berths available at worlds for the 32-rider Olympic field and Canadian champion Scott Erwood of Abbotsford, B.C., nabbed one of the spots by placing fifth in his round of 16 heat. James Brown was also eliminated in the round of 16 while Patrick Lebel of Calgary was eliminated in qualifying.

The one Canadian male and one Canadian female rider for the Olympic BMX competition will be announced by the Canadian Cycling Association on June 15.

In men’s junior competition, Sam Willoughby of Australia took the gold with Vincent Pelluard of France second and Denzell Stain of the U.S., third. Alex Sailor of Calgary was eliminated in the quarterfinals while Michael Irwin of Surrey, B.C., and Joey Trudeau of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., bowed out in qualifying.

In women’s junior competition, Manon Valentino of France was the winner with Laura Reynolds of Australia second and her compatriot Rachel Bracken third. Brookelyn Wilkinson of Abbotsford, B.C., didn’t advance to the final in the 16-rider field.

Earlier this week in the age group competition, Connor McCormack of Kelowna, B.C., took the gold in the boys 15 age group and Tory Nyhaug of Coquitlam, B.C., was third in the boys 16.

‘’These performances in the age group really bode well for the future,’’ said Rémi Bérubé, competitions coordinator for the Canadian Cycling Association. ‘’It’s very encouraging for our program which continues to grow in the BMX.’’