Bearman dips out in semis

Rico Bearman dipped out of the BMX racing in the semi-finals today.

The 16 semi-finalists rode three races and the eight who scored best advanced to the final.

Scores were allocated according to the riders’ finishing positions in their three heats and the lowest scores overall advanced to the final.

Bearman recorded finishes of 8th, 5th, 5th for a total of 18. He’d have needed 13 to advance.

The lane allocation is critical in BMX riding and once a rider grabs the early lead it’s extremely difficult for others to get past.

Bearman, who turned 21 two days ago, said he was proud to represent New Zealand at his first Olympics.

“It was a difficult track if you didn't get an inside gate as it was tough to pass,” he said. “I had a great gate in the first one but wasn't quite aggressive enough.”

Bearman advanced to the semi-finals when he won the aptly named Last Chance race on the previous day.

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