UCI BMX FREESTYLE PARK- SEMI FINAL RECAP
Alex Coleborn (run above) tricks himself to the top of the list during qualification. World Cup rivals Martin and Dhers qualify in 2nd and 3rd in today's semi final.
After the Juniors and Amateur BMX riders were finished on the Park course, the Pro riders who made it to the 24-deep semi final field got on the course in Chengdu to battle for a top 12 spot that would shoot them into the final of the last stop of the 2016 UCI BMX Freestyle Park World Cup. Alex Coleborn (GBR) was on top form and delivered with big moves and tech tricks in both his runs. The number of risky tricks he puts into his runs is amazing and the Brit stayed on both times making him the top qualifier in Chengdu. All focus though was on Daniel Dhers (VEN) and Logan Martin (AUS). The two are so close in the overall standings that whoever finishes in front of the other will win the 2016 overall World Cup title. Making mistakes is not an option for the both of them and by finishing second (Logan) and third (Daniel) it shows that the two are in great shape and ready for Sunday's final event.
Australian Brandon Loupos used his 540-flair and cashroll to secure 4th place just in front of American youngsters Colton Walker and Jeremy Malott. Once again Kenneth Tencio from Costa Rica sent his bright bike upside down when starting the runs. The second time he flair dropped-in from the giant VIP wall that added to his final score of 84.66 points. Vlogger Nick Bruce (USA) put his camera down for a few minutes to rip the course apart in China. His flair, flip and whip combo's all over the course made the crowd cheer for the American but to make the podium tomorrow he'll have to step it up a bit because the level is so high. When Declan Brooks gets on the course you'll get to see different lines for sure. The manual on top of the VIP wall from beginning to end in the start of his first run showed the control he has. Jumping the box backwards with variations isn't a problem for Declan either plus he had some big transfers going form the quarterpipes to the top of the deck.
Mike Varga (CAN) likes the ramp set-up in Chengdu and it shows in his riding. He casually takes laps around the course with a smile on his face and throws down 540 bar-to-bar and decade jumps like it's no big deal. 10th place for Mike will get him a spot in the first group tomorrow together with Jack Clark (GBR) and Josh Perry (USA).
Just missing out on the top 12 is crowd favourite Kevin Peraza (USA) who entertained everyone with his first run but had a crash in run two which hurt his score since both runs count at the World Cup. Drew Bezanson won't make the cut eaither despite an incredible drop into the curved wall.
Sunday's finals are going to be off the hook. The overall UCI BMX Freestyle Park World Cup champion will be crowned in China. It's either going to be Logan Martin or Daniel Dhers but Alex Coleborn would be happy to beat the both of them in the World Cup final like he did today in qualifying. Anything can happen so make sure to check in at www.fise.tv.
Bart de Jong
UCI BMX Freestyle Park World Cup Semi finals results. Top 12 make it to the finals.
1. Alex Coleborn (GBR)
2. Logan Martin (AUS)
3. Daniel Dhers (VEN)
4. Brandon Loupos (AUS)
5. Colton Walker (USA)
