16-year-old Iveta Miculycova crowned 2022 European BMX Freestyle champion in Munich
The Czech rider upset the pre-race favourites with Olympic champion Charlotte finishing last after crashing out in both runs.
Cycling BMX Freestyle
Iveta Miculycova from Czech Republic was the surprise winner of the women's BMX Freestyle Park final at the European Championships 2022 in Munich, Germany, on Friday (12 August).
The 16-year-old rider, who finished seventh in the qualifying heats, rose to the occasion on the challenging course built on the lawn of the Olympiapark in front of a passionate crowd.
Miculycova immediately topped the rankings after posting 80.00 in a flawless opening run. That remained the highest score of the day and was enough for her to take home gold.
Germany's Kim Lea Muller claimed silver with a 78.60 score on her second run, while French teenager Laury Perez completed the podium following an impressive 78.20 in the first round.
Olympic champion and top qualifier Charlotte Worthington fell in both runs trying to complete two difficult 360s and finished last.
Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist Nikita Ducarroz, who today turned 26, also crashed on her second attempt and came in fifth, just behind 2018 world silver medallist and local favourite Lara Lessman.
The BMX Freestyle action will continue on Saturday with the men's final.
BMX Freestyle - European Championships 2022: Women's Final - Results
- Iveta Miculycova (CZE) Run 1: 80.00 Run 2: 76.60
- Kim Lea Muller (GER) Run 1: 73.80 Run 2: 78.60
- Laury Perez (FRA) Run 1: 78.20 Run 2: 13.60
- Lara Marie Lessmann (GER) Run 1: 75.30 Run 2: 72.60
- Nikita Ducarroz (SUI) Run 1: 68.20 Run 2: 15.20
- Sasha Pardoe (GBR) Run 1: 64.60 Run 2: 63.30
- Rebecca Gruhn (GER) Run 1: 40.20 Run 2: 59.20
- Charlotte Worthington (GBR) Run 1: 12.80 Run 2: 13.10