Alise Willoughby of US, Joris Daudet of France win BMX racing world titles ahead of Paris Olympics
Alise Willoughby won her third BMX racing world championship on Saturday, the American standout taking the lead out of the starting gate, pulling away down the stretch and then throwing up her fist in triumph as she crossed over the finish line.
Willoughby was followed by Zoe Claessens of Switzerland and U.S. teammate Delany Vaughn, who also will be nominated for the American team that will head to the Paris Olympics by finishing on the world championship podium.
“Honestly, I always say this place has a special place in my heart,” said Willoughby, who won her first world title in 2017 over the same course in Rock Hill, South Carolina. “I wanted to deliver here — the U.S. fans, U.S.-based everything.”
Felicia Stancil finished fourth in a strong showing by the Americans, who also had Carly Kane in the finals.
In the men’s race, Joris Daudet of France took the lead through the first corner and held off reigning Olympic champion Niek Kimmann of the Netherlands to win his third world title. French countryman Sylvain Andre was third.