SA’s Dodd ready for BMX races in Rio

South Africa’s remaining three cyclists – Kyle Dodd, James Reid and Alan Hatherly – have arrived in Brazil as they begin their final preparations for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Dodd will be competing in the BMX discipline from Wednesday 17 August, while Reid and Hatherly will tackle the Mountain Bike Cross-country race on the final day of the three-week sporting spectacular, on Sunday 21 August.

Dodd (22) kicks off with the Seeding Runs of the Men’s BMX event on Wednesday 17 August at 14:34 (local time), and 19:34 (SA time). The event takes place at the Olympic BMX Centre in Rio de Janeiro. The Quarter Finals take place the following day, Thursday 18 August at 13:51 (local time)/18:51 (SA time). The Semi Finals and Finals both take place on Friday 19 August from 13:38 (local time)/18:38 (SA time).

South Africa’s Kyle Dodd has arrived in Brazil and has begun his final preparations for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Dodd will be competing in the BMX discipline from Wednesday 17 August. Photo: supplied.

Three-time SA National Elite Men’s BMX Champion, who has marked his selection into the 2016 Rio Olympic Games National Team as a major career highlight, said: “The vibe is unreal in this place. To be surrounded by so many countries with world-class athletes is absolutely amazing. I’m just taking everything in and learning step by step, but the Olympic Games is huge and I quite like being a part of it.”

The Glenanda local mentioned that he feels confident at the way practice has been going for him. “What I love most about the schedule is that I have so much time to get the whole track dialled then rather rush and risk injury,” he added.

“I’m definitely excited to get racing underway and just go out there firstly to make my country proud (especially my family as they have come all this way to watch), my coach and most importantly, myself. All I can do is my best and leave it all on the track,” he concluded.

You can watch the 2016 Rio Olympic Games Men’s BMX and MTB on DSTV SuperSport at the following viewing times: