The 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Cup reaches its conclusion this weekend in Sarasota, Florida (USA), where Rounds 9 and 10 will determine the overall Elite and Under 23 winners. Taking place on 31 October and 1 November, the season finale is the only American stop on this year’s calendar. As well as the four UCI World Cup titles still to be decided, the race results will count towards qualification for the Los Angeles Olympic Games, with athletes able to score points for their National Federations in a bid to secure the maximum number of starting slots at the 2028 Games. The final rounds mark a return to the country where BMX Racing first developed and grew into the international sport it is today. With its deep BMX heritage, the United States provides a fitting setting for the conclusion of the 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Cup season.
The Sarasota weekend follows an international campaign that began in Sarrians, France, in June before moving to Papendal in the Netherlands. The series then returned to action in October with four rounds in China, at Mentougou (Beijing) and Chongli, Zhangjiakou , before heading to Florida. The compact season finale leaves little room for error. Consistency across both days will prove decisive, particularly for athletes entering the final weekend within reach of the overall lead.
Historic venue
The racing will take place at Sarasota BMX, located in Sarasota County, on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The facility has operated continuously for 52 years, making it the longest-running BMX Racing track in the United States. Sarasota BMX combines this heritage with a modern track layout.
The first straight stretches 77 metres, followed by a 38-metre first corner. The second and third straights measure 75 and 74 metres, respectively, before riders reach the 48-metre final straight. With demanding rhythm sections, finding the right line and maintaining momentum will be crucial. Warm autumn conditions should provide a welcoming backdrop to the competition, while fans unable to attend in person will be able to follow the racing through the UCI’s official YouTube channel.
Men Elite: Brink’s consistency paying so far
With 500 points on the line for a win in the Elite classes, the overall UCI World Cup winners will only be known when the last race is over. The Netherlands’ Jaymio Brink has been the most consistent rider in Men Elite competition without being dominant. This season has seen several different round winners, with Brink claiming only one victory, in the opening round in Sarrians. Arthur Pilard (FRA) also has one win so far (Mentougou ) and is trailing Brink in the standings (1677 points to Brink’s 2095). Loris Aeberhard (SUI) won both rounds at Papendal and is only 96 points behind the Frenchman in the overall standing. After racing the first four rounds in the Under 23 category, Joshua Jolly (AUS) moved up to the Elite ranks, and with two wins, a third and an eighth place he has climbed to fourth in the standings, only 37 adrift of Aeberhard. The talented youngster still has a mathematical chance of winning the overall title with two rounds to go. It has been an exciting season in Men Elite, and it remains to be seen whether Brink can hold on to his lead.
Women Elite: everything hangs in the balance
Just 11 points separate first and second place in Women Elite racing. Laura Smulders (NED) and Bethany Shriever (GBR) have 2861 and 2850 points respectively, and the battle in Sarasota will be as much mental as physical. A little more than 300 points further back, Molly Simpson (CAN) sits in third place, with Zoé Claessens (SUI) biting at her heels, just two points adrift. Both are within striking distance of the 2026 overall title should Smulders and Shriever falter. The 2026 UCI Pump Track World Champion, Nadine Aeberhard (SUI), completes the top five.
Under 23: Rocherieux and Challis in the lead
In the Men Under 23 competition, Clément Rocherieux has finished off the podium only once this UCI World Cup season. He leads a French trio at the top of the standings, with Mathis Jacquet and Pierre Giesse in second and third respectively. The local fans will be gunning for fourth-placed Tommy Bruney (USA) to break into the top three and break up an all-French podium. Freia Challis (GBR) needs just 27 points from the final two rounds to be assured of the UCI World Cup crown in Women Under 23. With five victories already to her name, she is firmly on course to do so. Isabella Schramm (AUS) and Lily Greenough (NZL) are in second and third place respectively going into the final two rounds.