It’s Worlds Week in China – Fringe country predictions

The '08 BMX Worlds are on this week in Taiyuan, China and should tell the tale of who and who's NOT going to be at the Olympics for most countries. Looks like Auzzie female champ Mankowski is OUT, USA's Kyle Bennett is in and we're pretty sure that Afro Bob from Dutchland will be there too.

Any countries not ranked 11th or better for the men and 8th or better for the women will be fighting for their Olympic lives at the smogWorlds. Here are our predictions for who will make the cut. Read on…

Elite Men Predictions – The sweet 6

1. Sifiso Nhlapo, South Africa – This kid is carrying the dreams of his country on his shoulders and despite a nasty crash a few weeks back, deserves the shot. Plus, he will be an audience favorite.
2. Arnaud Dubois, Belgium – Is there anyone else racing in Belgium? Just kidding. He's the standd-out and will put the pieces together when it counts. Look for an exit in the quarters but that will be enough.
3. Roger Rinderknecht, Switzerland – Yeah, Lapraz is fast but way to inconsistent on the gate. Rinderknecht is a UCI delegate and will serve his country well. Lapraz will get his shot in 2012. He might not even make quarters but will sneak in anyway. And if we are wrong, he'll get the Invitation if Hong Kong Steven Wong doesn't.
4. Manuel De Vecchi, Italy – The National Champ improving and will be throwing a pasta party when all is said and done. We're invited.
5. Scott Erwood, Canada – Bet nobody predicted the Canadians to qualify – but if anyone can do it, Scotty can. He's the two-time National champ and has a good first straight. Jimmy Brown might do it to and he's the one carrying the bag of UCI points.
6. Pablo Galan, Spain – He's fast and will get the benefit of one or two crashes. It's all about the luck from here on in.Â

 The LONG SHOT – Vilmos Radasics, Hungary – Vilmoooooooooooos!

Elite Women Predictions

1. Shanaze Reade, GBR - Untouchable? Only if the french girls team up
2. Vilma Rimsaite, Lithuania – The sweetheart of BMX HAS to make it.
3. Regula Runge, Germany – She's fast, cool and made the main at the NBL Christmas Classic

The LONG SHOT – Liyun Ma, China – If she officially qualifies, she might even put BMX on the map in China BEFORE the games. This way the 'Invitational' spot can go to another BMX-needy country.