BMX Challenge: Drama on the track as Australia steals a W1 plate but denied another

Australia has added another world championship at the BMX Challenge in Glasgow, but it could easily have been more after a series of cruel incidents prevented Australia from adding further to its ‘W’1 plate tally.

33 riders rode out for Australia on the third day of the BMX Challenge, competing across the 20-inch Boys and Girls 12, 13, 14, 15 categories in perfect riding conditions.

It was the smallest number of riders to compete on any of the first three days, but the results were no less impressive, with four Australian riders progressing through to their finals.

Australia was unluck to not have five riders through to the final. Geelong’s Cameron Gatt finished top two in each of his preliminary motos in the 15 Boys, only for other riders to fall in front of him in his semi, resulting in an unavoidable crash and elimination.

In the 15 Boys final, Declan McGhee lead by a clear margin for most of the race, but lost control on the final straight and crashed just meters from the line, finishing seventh. It was a heartbreaking result for one of Australia’s most dominant riders on the day.

Amelie Reid however is Australia’s newest BMX Challenge world champion after a stunning ride in the 12 Girls final.

Trailing by two bike lengths on the third straight, Reid took a fantastic line on the final corner, cutting inside and running down Dutch rider Charlotte Doddema on the final straight to steal the win on the line.

The West Australian rider was understandably elated with how the race panned out.

“It was unreal. I mean, came back in the last corner. I was happy with the World 2, but came back and just got it at the line. So happy,” Reid said.

“I would like to thank all my sponsors and my team. Chase BMX WA, Deadfast, 513 BMX Developments, and obviously my parents, my mum and dad, and all my family and friends for supporting me.”

The BMX Challenge concludes tomorrow with the 20” 15, 16, 17-24, 25+ and Masters categories.

See where the Australian riders placed in their finals below.

Girls 12

• Amelie Reid (Mandurah BMX) – 1st

Girls 14

• Stephanie Alexander (Knox BMX) – 2nd

Boys 14

• Mica Moloney (Cairns BMX) – 3rd

Boys 15

• Declan McGhee (Mandurah BMX) – 7th

For more coverage of the ARA Australian Cycling Team at the UCI Cycling World Championships, visit our Glasgow 2023 Hub. To subscribe to daily updates, click here.

Photos: AusCycling