Logan Martin leads the way in World Cup qualifying

Seven Australian men have made it through to the semi-finals of the third and final round of the UCI BMX Freestyle World Cup on the Gold Coast.

There was early disappointment in the Australian camp yesterday with news Brandon Loupos injured his ACL on Thursday and was ruled out of competing.

That left 10 locals in mix for the chance to progress to the top 24.

2020 Tokyo Gold Medalist Logan Martin put down a solid two run display in front of his home crowd to top the scoring with a 90.70 in the final heat of the day.

Logan Martin scores 90.70 after qualifying in the UCI World Cup on the Gold Coast. (Photo @collectif_theagency )

”Stoked on both my runs today, did what I had planned and looking forward to semi-finals and do my best to get through to finals.

“Feels really good out there, I’ve had quite a bit of time on this course so feeling comfortable and confident.”

A corked leg didn’t stop Jaie Toohey from dropping the sixth best score of the day to move through to the next round.

“To go out there and put down two solid runs from start to finish was a surprise. Either way to come out and do what I’ve done today I’m pretty happy.

“Knowing we’re at a World Cup event here at the Gold Coast it’s pretty surreal and can’t for the weekend for people to experience it for themselves.”

The 31-year-old will be joined by fellow Australian Cycling Team member Jake Wallwork who recorded a 79.70 to place inside the top 10 despite feeling as if he hadn’t done enough to impress the judges.

However, the Victorian felt he has plenty of room for improvement, saying the run “Didn’t go the way I wanted to. I felt a bit weak, and lost bit of confidence.

One rider who certainly bought plenty of that too the park was Liam Quinlivan, lighting up the crowd with some high-end tricks and ensuring he’d be back to showcase his skills In the semi’s.

 Liam Quinlinvan lights up the park during his qualifying run at the World Cup on the Gold Coast (Photo Credit @collectif_theagency) 

“It’s hard to do a perfect run but that’s the best I’ve ever ridden. I’ve been on the World Tour for a number of years now but haven’t been able to put it together, but it was good run and opened everyone’s eyes up a little more.”

Alec Danelutti, Sam Gibson and Josh Matthews scrapped into the top 24 and know they need to up their game if they want to be there on Sunday.

The three Australian women will have their chance to qualify this afternoon from 2:!5pm (AEST), while the men’s semi-final’s get underway at 4pm (AEST)

Full qualifying results can be found here.

Photo Credit: @collectif_theagency