Caroline Buchanan crowned series champion while Sam Willoughby caps off his year in style

Sep 28, 2014

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 4287 times

Aussie Caroline Buchanan has been crowned UCI BMX Supercross World Cup series champion this morning in Chula Vista, USA edging out Olympic champion Mariana Pajon by a substantial margin to add to the series title she won in 2012. While reigning world champion Sam Willoughby proved why he is the best in the business winning the elite men’s race with a textbook performance. Buchanan resumed her thrilling rivalry with Pajon as the two went head to head in the fifth and final world cup event of the

season. Buchanan went into the event with a substantial series lead, however refused to rest on her laurels showcasing the kind of competitive hunger that has been central to her growing list of achievements, finishing just behind Pajon in second to seal the series in style.

Fellow Australian Lauren Reynolds also raced well to make the final before unfortunately crashing out after the start to finish 8th. Ultimately the day belonged to Buchanan who was thrilled to be crowned champion after a long season.

“It’s a great feeling to wrap up the season on a high,” Buchanan said. “In these seasons consistency is everything, I’m really happy with myself for the consistency I’ve shown. It’s been a long season and I can’t thank my support network enough.”

In the elite men Sam Willoughby showed everyone why he is the reigning world champion producing a flawless performance to take the win and make it two world cup wins from two appearances this year. Willoughby’s start was breathtaking and from there was impossible to catch as he capped of a successful year with a bang.

“That was the best lap of the day I think for me,” Willoughby said. “It took me a little bit to get going today but that’s all that matters that last lap. The life I’m living is what I dreamed about as a kid, to move to America and make the sport I love my job.”

Fellow Australian Anthony Dean, started the day second in the world cup series and needed to make the final to put pressure on series leader Liam Phillips from Britain. Dean was gallant in the semi finals pushing hard for the fourth and final spot in the final before unfortunately crashing out, and with it any chance of winning the world cup series. However in such a challenging and competitive series second is a just reward for what has been a successful season for the South Australian.