The 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships concluded in unprecedented circumstances on Sunday in Brisbane, Australia, with the finals cancelled due to persistent strong winds. In accordance with the UCI Regulations, the final classifications were established using the latest completed stage of competition, crowning the six 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Champions.
Strong winds swept across the Brisbane BMX Racing Track throughout Sunday morning, preventing racing from getting underway as scheduled. Following multiple delays and repeated assessments of the prevailing conditions, it was determined that racing could not be conducted safely within the available competition window. The decision to cancel the remainder of the competition programme was taken in the interest of rider safety, with the support of the UCI Athletes' Commission representative on site, the National Federation team managers and the Local Organising Committee.
According to article 6.1.038 bis of the UCI Regulations, if a UCI BMX Racing World Championships competition is cancelled prior to the final, the results of the latest completed phase and, within that phase, the last completed round are declared the final results.
Elite titles for Asmus and Shriever
Saturday's racing had already delivered a spectacular day of competition, with Round 1, the Last Chance Qualifier and the Men Elite 1/8 Finals producing high-quality racing and laying the foundations for an exciting final day.
Australia's Jesse Asmus was crowned Men Elite UCI World Champion after leading the competition at the latest completed stage. Racing in front of an enthusiastic home crowd, Asmus delivered consistently outstanding performances throughout Saturday's racing to secure the biggest victory of his career and the coveted rainbow jersey. Great Britain's Ross Cullen claimed the silver medal, while France's Mathis Ragot Richard completed the podium with bronze.
In the Women Elite category, Great Britain's Bethany Shriever added another rainbow jersey to her remarkable career after topping the standings at the latest completed stage. The Olympic Champion once again demonstrated the speed and composure that have established her among the sport's very best. Australia's Saya Sakakibara delighted the home fans with the silver medal, while the Netherlands' Laura Smulders completed the podium in third.
Rising stars rewarded
Australia celebrated further success in the Men Under 23 category through Joshua Jolly. The reigning Junior UCI World Champion continued his impressive progression by securing his first Under 23 UCI World Champion title, confirming his status as one of BMX Racing's brightest young talents. Jesse De Veer (NED) claimed silver, while France's Clément Rocherieux earned bronze.
The Women Under 23 rainbow jersey went to the Netherlands, with Renske van Santvoort rewarded for her consistent performances throughout the completed competition. Veronika Sturiška (LAT) secured the silver medal and Alexis Alden (USA) completed the podium with bronze.
The Junior categories showcased the next generation of BMX Racing stars. Great Britain's Freia Challis claimed the Women Junior title after an outstanding performance during Saturday's racing. Her compatriot Elsa Rendall Todd secured silver, while Australia's Isla Basa delighted the home crowd by taking bronze.
Canada's Lucas Zhou completed the list of 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Champions by taking the Men Junior title. Cameron Gatt (AUS) finished second, with Tommy Bruney (USA) claiming bronze.