2025 UCI BMX Freestyle World Cup: winners look back at the season

The joy of Park and Flatland winners

After the thrilling conclusion to the 2025 UCI BMX Freestyle World Cup in Sakai, Japan, we grabbed a chat with all four riders who won the overall titles after the three rounds of the season.

Miharu Ozawa: Park queen crowned at home

Japan’s 16-year-old Miharu Ozawa (as pictured above) was confirmed as overall winner of the 2025 UCI BMX Freestyle World Cup Park Women, after winning in Sakai.

Congratulations on winning the overall title! What was most memorable this season?

Miharu Ozawa: Thank you very much! The number one moment for me was definitely when I was able to win for the first time. I was really happy that my family and friends were able to see it as well.

Of the three events – Montpellier (France), Shanghai (China), and Sakai – which was the most difficult?

MO: Shanghai was the most difficult. The park itself was tough, and it was hard to pull my tricks there.

What did you focus on to be so consistent this year?

MO: I'm very happy to hear that people thought I was consistent, but personally, I don’t really feel that way. I wish I could have ridden with more calmness. There wasn’t anything in particular that I focused on mentally, but I practiced a lot.

Where do you feel you improved the most?

MO: I think it was increasing the variety of my riding lines.

What would you like to say to girls and young riders?

MO: With BMX, you can become friends with someone right away, even if you’ve just met for the first time. You get to spend fun time together, and when you land a trick or ride well, you can share those amazing moments. It’s truly wonderful. Let’s ride BMX together!

Anthony Jeanjean: Park UCI World Champion also rules UCI World Cup

After a close season-long battle, France’s 27-year-old Anthony Jeanjean took the overall Park Men overall win in the 2025 UCI BMX Freestyle World Cup thanks to 2nd, 3rd and 4th places across the three rounds.

Congratulations on your overall title! What does this mean to you after such an intense season?

Anthony Jeanjean: Thank you very much. This title means a great deal to me. Coming right after my UCI World Champion title, winning the UCI World Cup is a huge source of pride. Achieving it for the second year in a row makes it even more special. And being able to claim both titles in the same year – something that hadn’t been done before – makes me incredibly happy.

Which of the three stops was the most difficult?

AJ: I think all three events were very difficult considering the current level of all the riders. But for me, the hardest was Montpellier. It was my first competition after a tough winter, during which I had lost some of my feeling on the bike, and I even had to stop riding for a few months. That created some doubts for me during the winter. So yes, even though I finished second, Montpellier was definitely the most difficult stop for me.

What was your secret to maintaining such a high level throughout the year?

AJ: To keep the same level of intensity all year, you need to prepare well – arrive as ready and as confident as possible. That requires a huge amount of work throughout the year, but it pays off, and I’m very happy about that.

What moment this season are you most proud of?

AJ: Overall, I’m really happy with my entire season. I’m pleased that I was able to land my runs the way I planned and to maintain a high level throughout the year. But of course, what I’m most proud of is becoming UCI World Champion for the first time in my career, and then following it up with the UCI World Cup title. It’s magical.

What message do you have for young French riders?

AJ: There are many things I’d like to pass on to young riders, but above all, I want them to understand that with hard work, consistency, discipline, and – most importantly – passion, they are capable of great things. Believe in yourselves, believe in your dreams, dare to try, and never give up, even in difficult moments, because they are part of the process.

Yu Shoji: Japan’s King of Flatland

With wins in the first two rounds, and fourth place in Sakai, Japan’s 24-year-old Yu Shoji is 2025 UCI BMX Freestyle World Cup Flatland Men overall winner.

Congratulations! How does it feel?

Yu Shoji: Now I’m honestly very happy to have won the overall UCI BMX Freestyle World Cup this year.

Across the three events, when did you feel the most confident?

YS: The most satisfying moment was winning at Montpellier, where I was aiming for three in a row.

Was there anything you struggled with this year?

YS: The trick I struggled with this year was the cross-foot half-packer routine. Crossfoot was very difficult because it was hard to deal with the contest stage.

How do you keep your mental focus strong?

YS: When I’m practising hard for a competition, I motivate myself by imagining how frustrating it would be if I lost. And after the competition, every time I take a vacation,

What are your goals for next season?

YS: I would like to work on new tricks this off-season in preparation for next year’s competition. My goal for next year is to become UCI World Champion again [he was crowned UCI World Champion in 2023].

Sona Yoshimura, Flatland champion!

Despite not winning a round, Japan’s 16-year-old Sona Yoshimura showed the importance of consistency: with a 2nd, 3rd and 5th place, she was confirmed 2025 UCI BMX Freestyle World Cup Flatland Women overall winner.

How does it feel to become the 2025 overall winner?

Sona Yoshimura: I can’t believe I became the series champion in 2025! It means a lot to me to finish the season on top.

How did the last UCI World Cup stop in Sakai work out for you?

SY: I was disappointed in the finals, so I'll practice more and take this frustration to the next one.

Do you have any people to thank who supported you this season?

SY: Thank you to all the Team Japan staff who supported us, those who attended the tournament, and everyone who cheered us on.