The 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Cup opened a new chapter in the history of the discipline this weekend. For the first time, the world's best riders came together in China, in Mentougou (Beijing), for the 5th and 6th rounds of the series.
Originally scheduled for 3 and 4 October, both rounds were brought forward by a day due to strong winds being forecast for Sunday. The full programme was therefore able to take place safely on Friday and Saturday. The races were held at the brand-new National BMX Sports Base in Mentougou, which will also host the 2026 UCI Pump Track World Championships later this month.
The weekend saw two different winners in the Men Elite category, a 30th UCI World Cup victory for one of the most experienced women on the circuit, and a convincing statement of intent from a new generation stepping up to the Elite category.
Smulders hits the 30-win mark
For Laura Smulders (NED), the 5th round was one to remember. The Dutch rider delivered a masterful ride to win the Women Elite final ahead of reigning UCI World Champion Bethany Shriever (GBR) and Sienna Pal (AUS), claiming her 30th UCI BMX Racing World Cup victory - yet another milestone in a remarkable international career.
Smulders had arrived in China third in the overall UCI World Cup standings, having claimed her 29th victory in Papendal earlier in the season. With Saya Sakakibara (AUS) absent through injury, the Elite Women victory was there for the taking, with Molly Simpson (CAN), Shriever and Zoé Claessens (SUI) among those ready to seize the opportunity.
Claessens hit back the very next day, taking victory in round 6 ahead of Simpson, with Smulders completing the podium. Shriever finished fourth and Leila Walker (NZL) fifth.
A new Elite winner
Arthur Pilard (FRA) got the weekend underway by winning the Men Elite final in round 5, ahead of compatriot Evan Oliviera. Behind them, Joshua Jolly (AUS) took third place in his first UCI World Cup appearance in the Elite category.
The following day, the Australian took things to another level. In a fiercely contested round 6 final, he crossed the line first in 31.470 seconds, 0.051 seconds ahead of Jérémy Rencurel (FRA). Filib Steiner (SUI) took third place, ahead of UCI World Cup leader Jaymio Brink (NED). It was Jolly's first Elite victory.
French strength in Men Under 23
The Men Under 23 category once again underlined the depth of French BMX Racing. Clément Rocherieux (FRA) won round 5 ahead of compatriot Matteo Faure, with Alexandre Emmel (SUI) completing the podium. The following day, Mathis Jacquet (FRA) took victory ahead of Rocherieux, with Mark Lüthi (SUI) in third. France placed four athletes in the top 8 across both days.
A double for Challis
In the Women Under 23 category, Freia Challis (GBR) won both Mentougou rounds. She finished ahead of Maya Savina (AIN) in round 5, then Lily Greenough (NZL) in round 6. Already having won one round earlier this season, the British rider has firmly established herself among the best in the category.
What comes next, still in China
Beyond the results, this weekend marked an important milestone for BMX Racing. Located in western Beijing, the Mentougou district is investing in its infrastructure to establish itself as a cycling destination. Its new National BMX Sports Base provided the international community with a new venue for the 2026 UCI World Cup.
The series now heads north to Chongli, Zhangjiakou, for its 7th and 8th rounds on 10 and 11 October. The UCI World Cup will then conclude in Sarasota, Florida, with its 9th and 10th rounds taking place on 31 October and 1 November. For Smulders, Jolly and Challis, the challenge will be to carry their momentum from Mentougou through to the final stretch of the season.