Caluag starts Team Phlmedal bid in BMX event

LONDON – Fil-American Danny Caluag will try to bring some sunshine into the stormy campaign of Team Philippines as the last man standing tests his mettle, his courage and determination against the toughest toughies one could imagine in the dangerous sport of BMX (motocross bike).

He’s ready for kill.

“I know what is at stake, and I’m ready,” said the 25-year-old who is debuting in this event 3:20 p.m. Wednesday (10:20 p.m. in Manila) which will be held for the second time since the Beijing Games.

Wednesday’s classification phase will be a single run which will determine the seeding and gate selection order for the first run of the quarterfinals Thursday and the gate selection for the first run of the semifinals.

Subsequent gate selection for the quarterfinals and semifinals will be determined by the result of the previous run.

The gate selection order gives a rider the chance to choose the starting gate which is essential for competitors aiming for a fast start from an eight-meter 45-degree incline.

Each of the 32 riders will take their turn to complete one lap over the 450 meter distance, which starts from the top of the eight-meter ramp, descends on a short strip, then to an S-bend and straight over humps and dirt to the finish line.

Being the lowest ranked with a world rating of No. 97, Caluag will be the first to take the starting gate, after which he will have a chance to see how his rivals the next day will be faring.

Last to ride is Australian Sam Willoughby, individual champion in the 2012 UCI World Championships, 2009 and 2010 BMX SuperCross World Cup, 2009 BMX Supercross Ranking World Cup and 2009 UCI Championships.

Riding before him at 31st is American Fields Conor who is tipped to vie for the medal, having won the time trial in the 2012 UCI World Championships in nearby Birmingham in Great Britain and the BMX Supercross World Cup in Chula Vista, California last year and in Randeberg, Norway this year.