Shortly after the exciting conclusion to the six-round 2025 UCI BMX Racing World Cup, we spoke with the newly-crowned overall winners from all four categories. First, the Elite winners, Australia’s 26-year-old Saya Sakakibara, taking her third consecutive overall title in addition to becoming Olympic Champion at Paris 2024, and France’s 29-year-old Arthur Pilard who secured the men’s overall title in the same year as becoming UCI World Champion.
Saya Sakakibara (AUS)
Saya, congratulations on another huge achievement just a year after becoming Olympic Champion. Did you feel extra pressure? Saya Sakakibara: Thanks! I think winning the [Olympic] gold will top anything, but winning this season still meant a lot to me. It proved to me that I still have that fire in my belly to want to strive to be the best and see how far I can go… I didn’t know what to expect from myself or my competitors since I hadn’t raced them for 10 months. I just had to take it one race at a time.
Which rounds tested you the most?
S.S.: Sarrians, definitely. It was the first round, it was super hot, the race day was very long and the track was challenging. I was absolutely exhausted mentally and physically after the first day. I honestly didn’t know how I was going to be able to back it up the following day. And day one of Argentina was the first time this season I qualified lower than second in a final. So coming out of lane three, I knew I had to dig deep to find that extra fire in order to get out fast and in front.
What motivates you to keep pushing? S.S.: I don’t feel as though I’ve reached my peak yet. I believe I can still get faster and stronger. And there’s still more to achieve – like becoming the UCI World Champion.
Arthur Pilard (FRA)
Arthur, congratulations on your 2025 UCI BMX Racing World Cup title. Did you feel extra pressure during the last two rounds?
Arthur Pilard: I didn't really know my level before arriving in Santiago. I took a vacation after Copenhagen, I really enjoyed myself, so I didn't know my level. In training the weeks before, the feeling wasn't good. The training in Santiago wasn't good either, but as soon as the competition started, the feeling was good, and as the day progressed, I realised I was well in the running for victory.
Which was your favourite track?
A.P.: Track feeling is very important. I don't commit 100% if I don't feel comfortable on the track. My favourite track of 2025 was Sarrians.
What are your goals for the future?
A.P.: I still have things to do in BMX [Racing]; I'm not done yet. I haven't won an Olympic medal for example.
We also spoke to the two new Under 23 BMX Racing World Cup winners, young Dutch riders who dominated their fields in 2025, Michelle Wissing and Jason Noordam.
Michelle Wissing (NED)
Congratulations Michelle! What has been behind your consistency this season? Michelle Wissing: The key factors were staying disciplined in my preparation, keeping focus each round, and enjoying the process without putting too much pressure on myself.
Which tracks stand out for you? M.W.: France was the most challenging. The new second straight is really cool, but the jumps and riding it clean were a real challenge. And it’s always great to race at Papendal. I really like that track. Winning there, with my family and friends in the stands, made it really special.
What are your goals looking ahead? M.W.: This title really motivates me to keep working hard and aim for the same success in the Elite Women’s category. My biggest goal is definitely the Olympic Games, but of course I also really want to compete at the UCI World Championships in the Elite Women’s category.
Jason Noordam (NED)
Congratulations Jason! What does this overall title mean to you?
Jason Noordam: Personally, it gives me a boost to keep working hard and performing well, and professionally, it's a great season for my portfolio.
How did you achieve consistency across three very different venues? J.N.: Being well-rested, not doing too much during the week, and preparing well with the focus you need to achieve a good result. Staying sharp and being ready when you need to be, and adapting to the tracks I hadn't been to before.
What ambitions do you have for the next stage of your BMX Racing career? J.N.: My ambition is to compete at the highest level – Elite – next season and gain experience there.