Race Report – 2021 HSBC British BMX Series Rounds 5 & 6: Cumbernauld, Scotland
The HSBC BMX National season finals took place at the weekend in Cumbernauld, Scotland.
We arrived on Friday afternoon, set the team tent up and then it was a couple of official practice sessions. The weather was horrific with storms coming through the venue throughout the evening. Scott looked great on track and quickly got to grips with the technical jumps. The track was relatively short but there was plenty to learn.
Saturday: Round 5
Saturday morning rolled around and it was time to go racing. In BMX riders have three qualifying races – called motos which qualify riders through to the knockout stages of quarter finals, semi finals and then the final.
Scott’s day got off to the perfect start, taking the win in his first moto. In the second race he finished second and in his final moto he finished third.
Qualifying through to the final, Scott chose gate 4 in the middle of the track. Here a great start is vital. Making his best start of the day start Scott powered down the first straight, slightly ahead of the pack. Into turn one he got ridden wide and slipped back to third. Down the second straight he rode into second but in turn two he got pushed wide again, slipping back to fourth. He held on to fourth for the rest of the lap.
“I am really happy with that race. I gave it my all and today it wasn’t quite enough to take the win. I got bumped in the first turn but it was good, hard racing and thats what I’m here for.” said Scott in the finish area.
Sunday: Round 6
After some great food on Saturday night, a decent sleep, it was time for round six – the season finals. Another three qualifying heats and this time Scott was firing taking a second, win and another win qualifying him to the final in the number one position.
In the final Scott had first pick on the start. He loaded up in gate one. At this track it is a gamble as the track narrows down the first straight. A good gate and you can control the race. A bad gate and you get boxed in. The gate dropped and Scott made his best gate of the weekend. He took the holeshot into turn one. Under pressure into turn two, Scott continued to hold the lead. Riding a perfect lap he crossed the line to take the win.
With the win Scott also secured second overall in the 2021 HSBC BMX National Series.
“I am so happy to take that win. It was a prefect lap and I just laid down the fastest lap of the weekend as well. I’m buzzing.”
Then a couple of seconds later he found out he had secured second overall by just one point!
“No way. That’s amazing. I am stoked”. Scott was clearly excited as he celebrated with his family who were all present.
The team will now focus on the 2021 Mercedes Benz UCI 4X World Championships which will take place in Val Di Sole, Italy on Friday August 27th.
Scott is in the form of his life, winning everything in the last few weeks. He is focused and ready to challenge for the rainbow jersey. He will go into the event as the current World Number one ranked rider in 4X. Lets go!
Many thanks to all our team partners for your support.
Images by Cameron Smith