The countdown is almost over. This week the world’s best BMX Freestyle athletes will return to action as the 2026 UCI BMX Freestyle World Cup begins in the French city of Montpellier, which has become one of the spiritual homes of urban culture. Over the coming months, riders from across the globe will battle to see who will top the UCI World Cup rankings in the two creative BMX Freestyle formats: BMX Park and BMX Flatland.
The 2026 UCI BMX Freestyle World Cup calendar will feature four rounds for both formats, beginning in Montpellier (13 to 17 May), before heading to a new location in Birmingham, Alabama, USA (6 to 9 August), Shanghai, China (15 to 18 October) then Sakai, Japan (26 to 29 November). As always, the season promises huge tricks, groundbreaking innovation and intense rivalries – but after a landmark 2025 season, and with the Los Angeles 28 Olympic Games on the horizon for Park riders, the pressure to perform has never been greater.
Montpellier ready to launch the season
A stopover of the UCI BMX Freestyle World Cup calendar since 2016, Montpellier has fast become one of its most anticipated rounds and the traditional season-opener. Held as part of the famous FISE (Festival International des Sports Extrêmes), the French stop combines elite-level competition with a festival-like atmosphere that attracts hundreds of thousands of fans every year. Riders often describe Montpellier as one of the most energetic events of the season, with packed crowds lining the course from qualification through to finals.
Men’s Park: Jeanjean leads the charge
Few athletes enjoyed a better 2025 season than Anthony Jeanjean. The Frenchman claimed the overall 2025 UCI BMX Freestyle Park World Cup title after a remarkably consistent campaign that included Park victory at the 2025 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With Montpellier as the season opener, expect the home crowd to be firmly behind their star rider, known for his ability to successfully blend of technical precision, perfect landings, lines and consistency.
However, he will face fierce competition in 2026. Among his competition will be Japan’s Rimu Nakamura, whose explosive riding style and complex trick combinations continue to make him one of Park’s most exciting athletes. American riders Marcus Christopher – silver medallist at last year’s UCI World Championships - and Justin Dowell are also expected to contend for victories after their strong 2025 campaigns.
Australia's Logan Martin, Tokyo 2020 Olympic Champion and one of the most decorated riders in BMX Park history, remains a constant threat whenever he competes. British riders Jude Jones and Jordan Clark will also enter the season with confidence after a strong end to 2025: they finished first and second respectively in the closing round in Sakai.
Women’s Park: new generation on the rise
The women’s BMX Park field continues to evolve rapidly. Japan’s teenage sensation Miharu Ozawa secured the overall 2025 UCI BMX Freestyle World Cup title at only 16 years old, and heads into 2026 as one of the discipline’s standout athletes. She impressed throughout the season with her composure, technical progression and ability to deliver under pressure.
American star Hannah Roberts, six-time UCI World Champion, will once again be among the favourites, while China's ever-present challengers continue to make a major impact internationally — a sign of just how deep and competitive the women's field has become.
Men’s Flatland: global showcase
Japanese riders have proven their extreme talent in Flatland over the years and are expected to lead the way in 2026.
Yu Shoji claimed the men’s overall 2025 UCI BMX Freestyle Flatland World Cup title after an outstanding campaign that highlighted Japan’s extraordinary depth in the discipline. Yu Katagiri is another strong Japanese rider expected to play a major role this season alongside rising international challengers. France’s Julien Baran continues to emerge as one of Europe’s leading contenders after several strong performances in 2025, including a podium finish in Shanghai and third place in the overall UCI BMX Freestyle World Cup ranking. Riders such as Spain’s Álvaro Hernández and French veteran Alexandre Jumelin also remain highly respected names thanks to their experience and creativity.
Women’s Flatland: Japanese favourites
Japan’s Sona Yoshimura took the overall women’s Flatland win in last year’s UCI BMX Freestyle World Cup, despite only managing fifth place in the final round. She was joined on the season podium by fellow Japanese riders Ayuna Miyashima and Karin Hommura, winner of the final round in Sakai.
From the festival atmosphere of Montpellier, to the streets of Birmingham, the skyline of Shanghai and the iconic parks of Sakai, the 2026 UCI BMX Freestyle World Cup promises another spectacular international showcase for the discipline.