Olympics: Crash fails to stop Shanaze

BRITISH BMX star Shanaze Reade survived a horror crash to qualify as second fastest for tomorrow's semi-finals.

The 19-year-old Crewe rider was sent flying on her first run in qualifying after taking a corner at speed and injured her elbow.

But she was back on the bike just minutes later, completing her second qualifying run in a cautious, but still quick, 36.882 seconds.

"Mum, if you're watching at home, I'm fine and safe," said Reade.

"Falling doesn't do anything to your mental strength. Mentally I was prepared to go into the run the way I did.

"But I washed out, it was just one of those things.

"BMX can be an unpredictable sport and that race was unpredictable – but I'm through in the top two and that is all that matters.

"You've got to battle on if you want to win the gold. My pride was dented, but now I'm really excited about the final. Everything's going to come out of the bag then."

World champion Reade started the Olympics as one of Britain's hottest favourites for a gold medal, but she now faces a real battle on her hands to take her place at the top of the podium.

France's Anne-Caroline Chausson, who also suffered a crash coming down on the jumps, set the fastest time of 36.660seconds.

Reade's time will at least ensure she gets a priority starting gate position in tomorrow's semi-finals where she'll face tough opposition from France's Laetitia le Courguille and Australia's Nicole Callisto.

While acknowledging the pressure of being favourite makes life tough, Reade claims Britain's cycling success – with eight gold medals already at these Games – is no extra burden.

"I've not focused on it – although I'm chuffed for them," she added. "It's been a rollercoaster few days but I've got a job to do."