Willers out of luck again in Supercross World Cup

The wretched run of ill-fortune continues to dog New Zealand BMX star Marc Willers.
The Beijing Olympic was brought down while leading the final of the third round of the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup near San Diego.

Willers had been in outstanding form at Chula Vista, the US training base and the biggest Supercross track in the world.

He qualified 10th fastest for the second day motos and won both his quarterfinal and semifinal with brilliant rides.

The kiwi got a tremendous jump out of the massive three-storey high start ramp and over the first jump to lead around the first bend. He went high to get the best angle around the second bend only to be driven off the track and over the barrier by Frenchman Sylvain Andre.

Willers was injured in the fall but the French rider’s tactics cost the New Zealander a well deserved victory.

American Nic Long edged out Australia’s Sam Willoughby for the title with world champion Maris Strombergs (LAT) third.

Last month Willers was brought down while challenging for the lead in the semifinals at the world championships.

Fellow Cambridge rider Kurt James did not qualify for the quarterfinals, finishing 78th from 127 starters in the time trials.

World silver medallist Sarah Walker did not compete as she recovers from recent racing injuries.

The next round of the BMX Supercross World Cup is in France in three weeks.
NZ Results:
Quarterfinal: Marc Willers (NZL) 1, Sylvan Andre (FRA) 2, Andres Jiminez (COL) 3.
Semifinal: Willers 1, Andre 2, Ramiro Marino (ARG) 3.
Final: Nicholas Long (USA) 1, Sam Willoughby (AUS) 2, Maris Strombergs (LAT) 3.