The BMX Racing track in Papendal has earned a reputation as one of the discipline’s premier destinations, and for the third and fourth rounds of the UCI BMX Racing World Cup (13-14 June), it did not disappoint.
After persistent rain in the lead-up to competition, the renowned Dutch track provided riders with a fast and demanding racing surface.
Round three: Aeberhard and Smulders dominate Elite finals
Saturday’s round three provided plenty of upsets, among them the elimination of reigning Men Elite UCI World Champion Arthur Pilard (FRA). Fellow French riders Eddy Clerté, Jérémy Rencurel and Léo Garoyan also exited at the same stage, underlining the exceptionally competitive nature of the field.
After looking confident throughout the day, and controlling his semi-final, Switzerland’s Loris Aeberhard produced a commanding performance in the final to take his first victory at this level. Home Dutch rider Jaymio Brink – who took victory in the opening round in Sarrians, France – demonstrated exceptional race craft, advancing through the field to finish second. A photo finish was required to separate the USA’s Cameron Wood and Tim Goossens (NED) in the battle for third, with the American prevailing by just 0.003 seconds.
The Women Elite semi-finals were won by reigning UCI World Champion Bethany Shriever (GBR) and overall series leader Molly Simpson (CAN), setting up an exciting prospect for the final. However, it was Laura Smulders (NED), starting from lane 6, who produced an outstanding start and controlled the final from the front to claim victory (her 29th in the UCI World Cup) in front of Simpson (2nd) and Shriever (3rd).
Victory in the Men Under-23 category went to France’s Mathis Jacquet ahead of Jesse de Veer (NED) and UCI World Cup leader Clément Rocherieux (FRA). The Women Under 23 final saw semi-final winners Freia Challis (GBR) and Renske Van Santvoort (NED) unable to live up to expectations. Instead, Sabina Košárková (CZE) delivered an emotional victory, ahead of Alexis Alden (USA) and Lissi van Schijndel (NED), who came in third to claim her first UCI World Cup podium.
Round four: Aeberhard repeats
The weekend in Papendal belonged to Loris Aeberhard who used the inside lane to grab the holeshot in the Men Elite final of round four. The Dutch were hoping Jaymio Brink could overtake, but again had to settle for second behind the Swiss athlete. After his early elimination the previous day, Eddy Clerté was delighted to finished third.
Bethany Shriever put it together to take victory in the Women Elite final. It was a confidence boost for the British rider who will be defending her rainbow jersey in Brisbane, Australia, next month. Saya Sakakibara (AUS) finished second, while Molly Simpson continued her string of strong performances to take third place.
In the Men Under 23 final, Australia’s Joshua Jolly led from start to finish to take the win, followed by two Swiss athletes, Mark Lüthi and Seal Nünlist.
Renske Van Santvoort, winner of round two in the Women Under 23 category, took another victory, this time in front of her family and friends. Lilly Greenough (NZL) finished second, followed by the previous day’s winner Sabina Košárková.
Athletes will now head to Brisbane, Australia, for the 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships, taking place on 18-19 July.
The 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Cup will resume in October, as follows:
5th and 6th rounds: 3 and 4 October, Mentougou, Beijing (China)
7th and 8th rounds: 10 and 11 October, Chongli, Zhangjiakou (China)
9th and 10th rounds: 31 October and 1 November, Sarasota, Florida (United States).