And they’re off! A strong start can give BMX racers an edge (The Associated Press)

Get to the front after the first turn, and there’s a good chance a rider will be able to avoid the kind of wreck-filled chaos that marked the action in the men’s quarterfinal round at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics on a breezy afternoon. Australian teammate Anthony Dean also had a strong quarterfinal round, while the United States and the Netherlands each sent all three of their cyclists into the men’s semis.