Reynolds ready for Olympic return
Two years on from the London Olympics, BMX rider Lauren Reynolds believes she has already figured out how to lift her game in Rio 2016.
The secret is not to think about it.
The Bunbury product and silver medallist at last year's world championships is one of the star attractions at this weekend's Smarter than Smoking 2014 Westside International, the first event she's competed in since wrecking her knee on the US pro circuit and undergoing a full reconstruction in October.
Reynolds said competing against a star-studded field, including reigning world champion Caroline Buchanan, would give her a good indication of where her fitness was at.
"I'm not coming here with crazy high expectations, but in saying that I don't think I can't win," she said.
"I'm just excited to get back and ride, not worrying about too much because I know I've got two big months of training ahead."
Reynolds was eliminated in the semifinals in London, a disappointing result for the world No.5 and one she said was affected by the hype surrounding the event.
However with a new coach, former national boss Sean Dwight, and a renewed focus on getting the basics right, the 22-year-old is confident she will be better prepared when Rio rolls around.
"It's very easy to over think that stuff and get ahead of yourself and that's something I don't want to do, I've learnt a lot of that from London," she said.
"That London word was there, the Olympics were always there and it was just mind-blowing, but you forget about the baby steps that will actually make you win the race.
"You've got to do the hard work.
"I'm in really good hands now and very confident in the training I'm doing."
Buchanan arrives in Perth for the second and third rounds of the national BMX series fresh off a 2013 season which saw her claim world titles in both the BMX and four-cross cycling disciplines.
It was a strong response from the 23-year-old after crashing out in the London final despite being the fastest qualifier.
She said with Rio selection starting this year, everything she did from now on would be driven by the desire for Olympic gold.
"London I walked away pretty hungry from that devastation of failing at the final moment," she said. "Rio's the goal now. It's just around the corner."
