| Liam leads the way in beijing BMX trail |
|
Liam leads the way in Beijing BMX trial By Weekly News reporter BURNHAM BMX-racing star Liam Phillips is on the verge of representing Great Britain in next month's Beijing Olympics after having been the fastest rider at Monday's final trial in Switzerland. The 19-year-old former King Alfred School student was leading on points after two of the five races at the Supercross BMX track in Aigle. But then the trial was halted when Kelvin Batey, his chief rival, suffered concussion in a crash. Batey was taken to hospital and, although he was released the following day, British Cycling decided the other races could not go ahead. advertisementPeter Phillips, Liam's father, said yesterday (Tuesday) as they began their journey home to Burnham: "They had the time trial and the first moto (heat), after which Liam had eight points and Batey four, with the other two riders further back. "British Cycling had said that if anything happened to cut the trial short, the one GB representative in Beijing would be the person with the most points, which is Liam. But it's being sorted out by their legal department, because the other riders involved have objected. " He went on: "Liam rode very well and was the fastest on the day, despite having had nine stitches put in his arm after a crash during practice on Saturday. The trial was postponed from Sunday to Monday because of heavy rain." There will be only 36 male riders when the Olympics start next month, with BMX racing making its competitive debut at the Games. Britain has just one spot. 
|
