Buchanan ready to buck bad luck

Buchanan and compatriot Jared Graves will defend their four cross world titles this week at Mont-Sainte-Anne in Quebec, Canada.

Buchanan was fastest qualifier at the BMX world championships a few weeks ago, but a brake lever became caught in her pants, causing her to crash.

"I had the worst luck that I have encountered in 14 years of racing," Buchanan said.

"Having a broken finger leading into the event, I had to put my brake lever on the left side and didn't account for it to affect my gate start.

"An adjustment bolt on my lever got caught on my pants and that put me out of the final.

"What happened at the BMX worlds has made me more hungrier and determined than ever to dominate at the MTB worlds."

But Buchanan is in better shape than the lead-up to last year's mountain bike worlds in Canberra, where she won despite a back injury.

"I have been relatively injury free and leading into the MTB world championships I am feeling more prepared than I was last year," she said.

Graves is also confident, having won his second four cross World Cup series title last month.

Buchanan and Graves open their world title campaigns with four cross qualifying on Friday morning (AEST).

The 32-person Australian team will also feature two-time world downhill champion Sam Hill.