After the first two rounds of the 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Cup last weekend, attention now turns to Papendal in the Netherlands, where the world’s fastest BMX Racing athletes will contest rounds three and four on 13-14 June
With Olympic qualification for Los Angeles 2028 beginning in August this year, riders are not only going for UCI World Cup glory, but also are making the most of these high-level competitions to sharpen their form.
Papendal presents a different challenge to Sarrians, the French venue that hosted the opening rounds. Several riders will arrive in Papendal buoyed by their strong performances in France and, with valuable UCI World Cup points on the line, the competition promises to be fierce.
Women Elite: Simpson and Sakakibara looking strong
In the Women Elite category, Canada's Molly Simpson made an impressive start to the season in Sarrians, claiming first and second place across the two rounds, mirroring the strong early-season form she showed in 2025. Her off-season preparation appears to be paying dividends, and she will be looking to maintain that momentum as the series moves to the Netherlands.
Olympic Champion Saya Sakakibara also impressed in France. Racing on a track she knows well, the Australian delivered a third-place finish on Saturday before taking victory on Sunday. Her results once again underlined the consistency that has made her one of the leading figures in the discipline.
Another rider to watch is Michelle Wissing of the Netherlands. After dominating the Under 23 category in 2025, Wissing stepped up to the Elite ranks this season and quickly made an impact by securing a podium finish in round two. Racing in front of a home crowd at Papendal, she will be aiming to build on that momentum and continue her impressive transition into the Elite category.
Men Elite: can Brink repeat?
The Men Elite category is shaping up to be keenly contested, with a strong field descending on Papendal.
Round one in Sarrians brought a landmark result for Dutch rider Jaymio Brink, who claimed his first Men Elite UCI BMX Racing World Cup victory. The breakthrough result comes less than a year after he narrowly missed out on victory at Papendal in 2025 following a crash in the final turn. Having now proven he can win at the highest level, Brink will be motivated to deliver another standout performance in front of his home fans on a track he knows exceptionally well.
Colombia's Diego Alejandro Arboleda, meanwhile, carries the red leader's plate into the Netherlands. The Colombian finished second and first across the two French rounds to take the lead in the overall standings, making him one of the favourites heading into Papendal.
Among his challengers is American Cameron Wood, who continues his pursuit of a first UCI BMX Racing World Cup victory. With two rounds scheduled over the weekend, Papendal represents an opportunity for a breakthrough result. France's Eddy Clerté is another name to watch, having made a promising start to the campaign to sit third in the overall standings. His performances in Sarrians suggest he has the form to be a strong contender throughout the season.
Women Under-23: Challis bursts into new category with gusto
Great Britain’s Freia Challis may be new to the Under-23 category, but she has already demonstrated why she is considered one of the sport’s brightest prospects. At just 18 years of age, Challis has already secured two podium finishes at the opening rounds of the season. Her victory on Saturday highlighted her potential, while a third-place finish on Sunday confirmed her consistency. Heading into Papendal, she leads the UCI BMX Racing World Cup standings with 287 points.
Close behind is Dutch talent Renske van Santvoort, who currently sits second on 222 points. After crashing in Saturday’s final, Van Santvoort responded in the best possible way by claiming victory in Round 2 on Sunday. With the next two rounds taking place at her home track, she will be eager to capitalise on local support and reduce the gap to Challis.
Men Under-23: dominant French no longer on home soil
The Men Under-23 category has so far been dominated by French riders, but one Australian seems determined to challenge their stranglehold.
Léo Le Bougeant leads the standings with 307 points after an impressive start to the season. Fellow Frenchman Clément Rocherieux sits second on 287 points, while Mathis Jacquet occupies fourth. Separating the French trio is Australia's Joshua Jolly, who took a podium finish in round one before narrowly missing out on the final on Sunday
Papendal could provide an opportunity for the standings to tighten as, away from home soil, the French riders will face a stern test from the international field.