Paris Olympian Rico Bearman has made history, claiming his first UCI BMX Racing Elite World Cup victory in Papendal, Netherlands—becoming the first Kiwi to win an elite men’s World Cup round since Marc Willers triumphed in London back in 2011.

Bearman’s victory capped off a strong showing for the New Zealand contingent, with Cambridge teenager Lily Greenough also securing her second straight podium in the under-23 women’s category, finishing third in the final.

Bearman was dominant throughout the day, winning his first round, second round, and quarterfinal with the fastest times, before claiming victory in his semifinal to earn the prized lane one for the final. Despite a slow snap from the gate, Bearman held his ground through the first half of the race. A crash by Australia’s Isaac Kennedy created a critical opening on the final turn, and Bearman pounced—slipping through on the inside and charging home to victory.

“I knew the speed was there, but I’ve been frustrated not being able to execute on race day,” said Bearman. “I didn’t have the best start in the final, but I stayed with it. You’ve got to be in the right spot to take advantage—and I was. It was a special day.”

He will now reset for the fourth round of the World Cup, which also takes place in Papendal.

Meanwhile, 17-year-old Lily Greenough continued her impressive debut season, claiming third in the under-23 women’s final—mirroring her result from Sarrians, France. After winning her first round and quarterfinal, she finished second in the semifinal behind Dutch standout Michelle Wissing. Despite a fourth-place position at the first turn in the final, Greenough pushed through to third and held on for another podium.

She now sits third overall in the World Cup standings.

Her older brother, Jack Greenough, qualified through the early rounds in the under-23 men but was narrowly edged out of the quarterfinals by just 0.2 seconds. Teammate Finn Cogan (Cambridge) won his opening heat but was eliminated in the following round. Cooper Richardson and Nick Cowie were both eliminated in the Last Chance round.

In elite men, Michael Bias (North Harbour) impressed early, with a third and a win in his opening rounds. He was eliminated after placing sixth in a close quarterfinal. In the elite women’s field, Leila Walker was one spot shy of the semifinals after a strong run to the quarterfinals, while Megan Williams was eliminated earlier in the Last Chance round.

The World Cup action continues tomorrow at Papendal, before the focus shifts toward the UCI BMX World Championships in Copenhagen next month.

YouTube: BMX World Cup Rd 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncO2TBms6LU

Article added: Sunday 22 June 2025