Competition began on Friday for the Elite Men’s BMX Freestyle Park at the 2022 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships. 63 men started their qualifying runs today, with the top 24 advancing to tomorrow’s semi-finals.
Five Americans transferred to the next round, including Justin Dowell (Virginia Beach, V.A.; Hyper BMX), Brian Fox (Commerce, Ga.; Woodward Camp), Daniel Sandoval (Corona, Calif.; Free Agent Bikes), Marcus Christopher (Canton, Ohio; DK Bicycles), and Jacob Thiem (Kennard, Neb.; Free Agent Bikes).
Dealing with extreme heat and sun, the qualifying rounds of the World Championships were nothing less than exciting. The team was extremely calculated with their runs to do just enough to make it through to the semi-finals.
Dowell was the top American, qualifying fourth, leaving more in the tank for the semi-finals. Fox returned to competition this year, crushing the World Cup circuit, and came into the World Championships more prepared than ever. He placed sixth in qualifying with an average score of 83.35. Sandoval found his flow and scored 80.66, putting him in 13th. 19-year-old Christopher rode exceptionally well for his first World Championship contest finishing just behind his teammate in 16th. Thiem rounded out the qualifiers taking the 20th spot. Tryon was on track for two great runs, but unfortunately crashed in both missing out on the next round.
Elite Men’s Qualifying Results:
1. Rimu Nakamura (JPN) – 89.57
2. Jose Torres (ARG) – 87.45
3. Anthony Jean Jean (FRA) – 86.52
4. Justin Dowell (USA) – 84.53
6. Brian Fox (USA) – 83.35
13. Daniel Sandoval (USA) – 80.66
14. Marcus Christopher (USA) – 80.36
20. Jacob Thiem (USA) – 74.62
43. Bryce Tryon (USA) – 48.60
Up Next
The men are back on the course tomorrow for their semi-finals. Then, on Sunday, 12 men and 12 women will compete in the finals! Watch it live on FloBikes.
