Conor Fields down hard

C.Worthy
Posts
1103
Joined
1/19/2012
Location
USA
7/30/2021 10:55am
FGR01 wrote:
Oh boyy... I'm not talking about after the race. Moving over is one thing, but when you come across the entire pack you better have the...
Oh boyy... I'm not talking about after the race.

Moving over is one thing, but when you come across the entire pack you better have the line. Coming across someone's front wheel as they are still in the air or downsiding a jump is full dikkish. Swooping in from the outside and causing a domino wreck that cleans out half the pack is not cool.
Clearly you don’t race bmx. Nothing wrong about that move, just a racing incident. Happens a lot. If you’re on the outside gate you’re goal is to come all the way across by the first turn to take the inside. Why do you think Niek Kimman’s win was so impressive? Coming from gate 8 to leading by the first corner is insane.
7
4
jgmxdad251
Posts
1253
Joined
11/23/2008
Location
Simi Valley, CA, USA
7/30/2021 10:56am Edited Date/Time 7/30/2021 11:00am
Neik Kimman is a beast! He’s been starting in gate 8 for a couple years now and usually smokes everyone to the corner. I don’t think it was a dick move by Mahieu, he was just going for it. He was 7/8 of the way past Connor when they hit. Connor had to see him coming from the outside.
3
2
FGR01
Posts
6164
Joined
10/1/2006
Location
USA
7/30/2021 11:31am
C.Worthy wrote:
Clearly you don’t race bmx. Nothing wrong about that move, just a racing incident. Happens a lot. If you’re on the outside gate you’re goal is...
Clearly you don’t race bmx. Nothing wrong about that move, just a racing incident. Happens a lot. If you’re on the outside gate you’re goal is to come all the way across by the first turn to take the inside. Why do you think Niek Kimman’s win was so impressive? Coming from gate 8 to leading by the first corner is insane.
"Why do you think Niek Kimman’s win was so impressive?"

Because he didn't wreck half the field to achieve it.

Anyone see the difference here?




11
3
crowe660
Posts
2284
Joined
8/15/2020
Location
USA
7/30/2021 12:17pm
I've never raced BMX, but it looks gnarly as hell. Like pitbike racing sober on steroids.
2

The Shop

UpTiTe
Posts
8356
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
7/30/2021 12:19pm
jgmxdad251 wrote:
Neik Kimman is a beast! He’s been starting in gate 8 for a couple years now and usually smokes everyone to the corner. I don’t think...
Neik Kimman is a beast! He’s been starting in gate 8 for a couple years now and usually smokes everyone to the corner. I don’t think it was a dick move by Mahieu, he was just going for it. He was 7/8 of the way past Connor when they hit. Connor had to see him coming from the outside.
How is your son doing in the pro class?
UpTiTe
Posts
8356
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
7/30/2021 12:22pm
C.Worthy wrote:
Clearly you don’t race bmx. Nothing wrong about that move, just a racing incident. Happens a lot. If you’re on the outside gate you’re goal is...
Clearly you don’t race bmx. Nothing wrong about that move, just a racing incident. Happens a lot. If you’re on the outside gate you’re goal is to come all the way across by the first turn to take the inside. Why do you think Niek Kimman’s win was so impressive? Coming from gate 8 to leading by the first corner is insane.
FGR01 wrote:
"Why do you think Niek Kimman’s win was so impressive?" Because he didn't wreck half the field to achieve it. Anyone see the difference here? [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2021/07/30/503564/s1200_BMX5.jpg[/img]...
"Why do you think Niek Kimman’s win was so impressive?"

Because he didn't wreck half the field to achieve it.

Anyone see the difference here?




Yea, he had lengths to move over.

He would’ve done the same thing if the guy was right there, it’s what they ALL do.
3
1
Johnny Depp
Posts
6433
Joined
10/16/2014
Location
Buda, TX, USA
7/30/2021 12:42pm
Conor forced a bad position.
3
C.Worthy
Posts
1103
Joined
1/19/2012
Location
USA
7/30/2021 1:02pm
FGR01 wrote:
"Why do you think Niek Kimman’s win was so impressive?" Because he didn't wreck half the field to achieve it. Anyone see the difference here? [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2021/07/30/503564/s1200_BMX5.jpg[/img]...
"Why do you think Niek Kimman’s win was so impressive?"

Because he didn't wreck half the field to achieve it.

Anyone see the difference here?





3
3
jgmxdad251
Posts
1253
Joined
11/23/2008
Location
Simi Valley, CA, USA
7/30/2021 2:42pm
jgmxdad251 wrote:
Neik Kimman is a beast! He’s been starting in gate 8 for a couple years now and usually smokes everyone to the corner. I don’t think...
Neik Kimman is a beast! He’s been starting in gate 8 for a couple years now and usually smokes everyone to the corner. I don’t think it was a dick move by Mahieu, he was just going for it. He was 7/8 of the way past Connor when they hit. Connor had to see him coming from the outside.
UpTiTe wrote:
How is your son doing in the pro class?
He did one pro race. Made around 450.00, his hotel was about 400.00. The next week he joined the academy. He has been racing pro XC lately( I think that’s the class). He done 3 races finishing in the upper half of the class. He road bikes like crazy too. He rides here from Simi to the valley, to the beach in Camarillo and then back through Moorpark into Simi. I wish I had his energy.
4
UpTiTe
Posts
8356
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
7/30/2021 2:57pm
jgmxdad251 wrote:
Neik Kimman is a beast! He’s been starting in gate 8 for a couple years now and usually smokes everyone to the corner. I don’t think...
Neik Kimman is a beast! He’s been starting in gate 8 for a couple years now and usually smokes everyone to the corner. I don’t think it was a dick move by Mahieu, he was just going for it. He was 7/8 of the way past Connor when they hit. Connor had to see him coming from the outside.
UpTiTe wrote:
How is your son doing in the pro class?
jgmxdad251 wrote:
He did one pro race. Made around 450.00, his hotel was about 400.00. The next week he joined the academy. He has been racing pro XC...
He did one pro race. Made around 450.00, his hotel was about 400.00. The next week he joined the academy. He has been racing pro XC lately( I think that’s the class). He done 3 races finishing in the upper half of the class. He road bikes like crazy too. He rides here from Simi to the valley, to the beach in Camarillo and then back through Moorpark into Simi. I wish I had his energy.
Smart move, zero money in racing bmx as a pro until you start winning a lot.

That’s a long ride, with some big climbs, impressive.
UpTiTe
Posts
8356
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
7/30/2021 2:59pm
I agree, he over jumped and lost a bit of speed.
BS12
Posts
1118
Joined
1/13/2014
Location
AU
7/30/2021 4:13pm
Gday fellas
BMX armchair expert checking in.

Connor's mum (?) Posted this yesterday

Seems he will recover just fine in the longer term. Very gnarly and scary hit, that's for sure.

There seems to be a lot of resent towards Mahieu and the first corner move. From an MX context I totally understand everyone's position against that move, however BMX bike's are a lot more nimble, and at this level especially it is not just accepted, but expected by all competitors that you cover your line/shut the competition down (obviously not to the point of crashing/injuring someone, but to force them to check up). These guys have 40 seconds to make it happen against the best racers in the world. Hesitate for a millisecond and you're gone, its that cutthroat. If Frenchy doesnt sweep in, he literally gets pushed to the back, and does not make the main. Whilst aggressive, these moves happen all the time, sometimes more harsh than others and obviously rarely, if ever, does someone go down in the way Connor did. Frenchy isn't dirty, its just hard racing at the absolute pinnacle of the sport.
11
5
system
Posts
132
Joined
5/1/2014
Location
North, TX, USA
7/31/2021 2:32pm
In addition to his Mom's post, here's the latest from USA Cycling. While not a great outcome, it certainly could've been way worse.

https://usacycling.org/article/medical-update-on-connor-fields-condition

More information regarding Fields' crash in the Olympic BMX Racing semifinals

During the Olympic BMX Racing semifinals, Connor Fields crashed in the first turn. He was transported by backboard out of the venue and transferred to the preferred hospital in Tokyo, St. Luke’s International Hospital. He has been accompanied by the Chief Medical Officer of the U.S. Olympic Team along with the USA Cycling Medical team and coaches. The staff has been in contact with his immediate family as they have navigated his care options after evaluation.

The doctors reported that Fields sustained a brain hemorrhage at the venue. After a night in the ICU, the doctors are pleased to report that there has been no additional bleeding, and no new injuries were found. Fields has been moved out of the critical care unit and will remain in the hospital until cleared.

This Article Updated July 30, 2021 @ 08:52 PM
LKHill
Posts
851
Joined
9/8/2020
Location
USA
7/31/2021 2:48pm
I don't know what race some of you guys are watching but from the first time I watched it and many more it looks the same to me. He over road the the track and ran up the guys back wheel. Nobody cut him off.

Brain bleeds are no joke. GWS brother!
1
8
Brent
Posts
5907
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Temecula, CA, USA
7/31/2021 3:32pm
Conor forced a bad position.
I kind of agree.

I think the "Blame Pie" is about 50/50 at this point.

Heal up soon, Connor.
SPODEBOY
Posts
804
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Apple Valley, CA, USA
8/1/2021 8:58am
Anyone have any updates?
1
Johnny Depp
Posts
6433
Joined
10/16/2014
Location
Buda, TX, USA
8/1/2021 10:04am
This can’t help but make me think of helmet safety.
8
pbody
Posts
350
Joined
12/9/2014
Location
Phoenix, AZ, USA
8/1/2021 10:21am Edited Date/Time 8/1/2021 10:21am
I was surprised that Connor had qualified for the final after not crossing the finish line. If Connor and anyone else had already qualified for the final, why even line-up? Or if you need to at least roll off the gate and start, why not just roll around the track? When a gold medal is on the line, it seems like you'd take the safe route and ensure you're 100% ready for the gold medal run, so just not sure what the rules are. Kinda confusing.
1
Sawfish
Posts
789
Joined
6/8/2013
Location
Las Vegas, NV, USA
8/1/2021 10:22am
This can’t help but make me think of helmet safety.
I think he rides for fly so no reason to question the quality of the helmet.
2
1
Johnny Depp
Posts
6433
Joined
10/16/2014
Location
Buda, TX, USA
8/1/2021 10:38am
This can’t help but make me think of helmet safety.
Sawfish wrote:
I think he rides for fly so no reason to question the quality of the helmet.
What was he going, maybe 15 mph? Internal brain bleeding… Of course you have to question it.
1
12
Sawfish
Posts
789
Joined
6/8/2013
Location
Las Vegas, NV, USA
8/1/2021 10:38am
pbody wrote:
I was surprised that Connor had qualified for the final after not crossing the finish line. If Connor and anyone else had already qualified for the...
I was surprised that Connor had qualified for the final after not crossing the finish line. If Connor and anyone else had already qualified for the final, why even line-up? Or if you need to at least roll off the gate and start, why not just roll around the track? When a gold medal is on the line, it seems like you'd take the safe route and ensure you're 100% ready for the gold medal run, so just not sure what the rules are. Kinda confusing.
I assume it’s more of a former champion style exemption. Like how in sx if someone in the top 10, or whatever it is, doesn’t make it through qualifying they still have a spot in the night show.
Sawfish
Posts
789
Joined
6/8/2013
Location
Las Vegas, NV, USA
8/1/2021 10:49am
This can’t help but make me think of helmet safety.
Sawfish wrote:
I think he rides for fly so no reason to question the quality of the helmet.
What was he going, maybe 15 mph? Internal brain bleeding… Of course you have to question it.
We’ve all taken similar hits and endoed our faces off. If we went to the hospital instead of going home and trying to convince ourselves “it’s fine”, they would have probably told us our brains were bleeding too.

I’m not really sure what your helmet solution is. Bobble head bmx would be funny, they could all wear streetbike helmets.
2
mister2dt
Posts
282
Joined
8/20/2018
Location
Canton, MS, USA
8/1/2021 12:54pm
This can’t help but make me think of helmet safety.
Sawfish wrote:
I think he rides for fly so no reason to question the quality of the helmet.
What was he going, maybe 15 mph? Internal brain bleeding… Of course you have to question it.
AA Pro speeds going in to the first turn on these cat5 tracks are closer to 30, not 15
5
1
DD325
Posts
91
Joined
11/2/2013
Location
Rapid City, SD, USA
8/1/2021 1:30pm
To qualify for the finals, there is a three round semi with total points deciding who moves on. He needed to run the third semi for a better gate pick as he finished 3rd and 1st in his first two semis, though gate 8 ended up winning the gold which is crazy.
3
Chappa
Posts
44
Joined
8/16/2019
Location
AU
8/1/2021 2:36pm
WOW, A lot of dumb in this thread. Connor is a legit as they come. As good as a racer he is, he is a better person. That injury is scary and am glad he is going to be OK.

That first turn is closer to 65 km/hr. These guys are hitting over 200rpm and BMX is a CONTACT sport.

Unfortunately in this sport shit happens, met too many people who have had life altering injuries but we keep coming back. There is no blame in this accident, two of the best in the world fighting for the biggest prize in the sport.

Neither of the current world champions qualified for the final in Tokyo. I can't remember a time in BMX where it was more competitve.

World champs are coming up soon, will be interesting to see who takes a break and who wants a bit of redemption.

5
4
CPR
Posts
7267
Joined
10/4/2018
Location
AU
8/1/2021 3:45pm Edited Date/Time 8/1/2021 3:47pm
mx510 wrote:
That was douchey as hell. Fuck that Mahieu guy.
Pretty sure it's spelled 'Matthes'. Laughing
I like Matthes and his content is great, but that was funny as fuk 🤣
I’m sure he would even laugh at that. Some people around here are so serious and too easily offended 👍
6
BMc914
Posts
539
Joined
11/23/2018
Location
Denver, CO, USA
8/1/2021 5:56pm
He wears the Fly Formula helmet?
1
8/1/2021 6:03pm
Sawfish wrote:
I think he rides for fly so no reason to question the quality of the helmet.
What was he going, maybe 15 mph? Internal brain bleeding… Of course you have to question it.
mister2dt wrote:
AA Pro speeds going in to the first turn on these cat5 tracks are closer to 30, not 15
I dont know what speed these BMX guys are going but one thing is clear from the video. He didnt just fall, his front tire knifes, then catches and this slams him to the ground. In this action you take his forward velocity and add in another rotational velocity component to the hit. Making it absolutely brutal and a speed far higher then anyone initially guesses.

Terrible to see and wish him nothing but the best.
1
Brent
Posts
5907
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Temecula, CA, USA
8/1/2021 7:00pm Edited Date/Time 8/1/2021 7:00pm
What was he going, maybe 15 mph? Internal brain bleeding… Of course you have to question it.
Yeah but with centrifugal force, his head hit the track a lot faster than the forward speed of the bike.

That was a serious hit with a sudden stop. Remember, brain injuries are caused by the brain suddenly banging against the inside of the skull- the helmet only helps slow down the sudden impact.
8tensolutions
Posts
3565
Joined
11/15/2009
Location
Salt Lake City, UT, USA
8/1/2021 7:30pm
What was he going, maybe 15 mph? Internal brain bleeding… Of course you have to question it.
mister2dt wrote:
AA Pro speeds going in to the first turn on these cat5 tracks are closer to 30, not 15
WoodsRacer wrote:
I dont know what speed these BMX guys are going but one thing is clear from the video. He didnt just fall, his front tire knifes...
I dont know what speed these BMX guys are going but one thing is clear from the video. He didnt just fall, his front tire knifes, then catches and this slams him to the ground. In this action you take his forward velocity and add in another rotational velocity component to the hit. Making it absolutely brutal and a speed far higher then anyone initially guesses.

Terrible to see and wish him nothing but the best.
This is an excellent analysis. He was thrown to the ground straight on his head onto basically concrete. No helmet can prevent a concussion in that case.
1
1

Post a reply to: Conor Fields down hard

The Latest