World Cycling Championships 2023: Beth Shriever powers to BMX gold in women’s elite race

Britain’s Beth Shriever powered to the BMX world title at the World Cycling Championships in Glasgow.

The Olympic champion shot out of the blocks to snatch the lead and never looked back, crossing the line to reclaim the rainbow bands for the second time after her 2021 victory.

An emotional Shriever paid tribute to the Scottish crowd and her family in the aftermath, saying: “Honestly this is so special, the crowd have been amazing, wouldn’t have been able to do it without them.

“My family’s here, my friends are here, this just means so much. I’m speechless right now.”

A number of riders fell early in the race but Shriever nailed her getaway to vault into an early lead in perfect conditions. And while the remaining riders battled it our behind her, Shriever remained in control and was never troubled as she beat a stellar field to clinch gold after she completed the circuit in 36.577 seconds.

Laura Smulders, the 2018 champion, pulled off an excellent late move to take silver for Netherlands, nearly four tenths behind Shriever, while 2019 winner Alise Willoughby completed the podium and claimed bronze for United States.

“These girls are fast so you’ve got to be on top of your game, can’t make mistakes,” Shriever added. “I managed to keep the same level throughout the whole day, managed to hold my nerve as well, so I feel amazing and I just can’t believe it right now.”

In the men’s competition, Britain’s Ross Cullen came sixth in his first world final, while Olympic silver medallist Kye White missed out on a spot in the final after veering off-track in the semis and failing to finish. Gold went to Romain Mahieu, who led home a clean sweep of the medals for France. Silver went to Arthur Pilard, with Joris Daudet taking bronze.

Shriever’s GB team-mate and training partner Emily Hutt took silver in the women’s Under-23 BMX race.