UCI World Champions in Trials and BMX Freestyle Park ready to defend their titles in the United Arab Emirates

Reilly and Reichenbach talk about their expectations

The 2024 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships, set to take place from 17-21 December in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, will feature high-level competitions across all categories, in both BMX Freestyle and trials. Among them, the men's BMX Freestyle Park event and the women's trials competition promise to deliver exciting performances. We caught up with the 2023 UCI World Champions.

BMX Freestyle Park: expectations from 2023 UCI World Champion Kieran Reilly

BMX Freestyle Park is the only Olympic discipline on the programme in Abu Dhabi. Apart from former UCI World Champion Brandon Loupos, who is absent due to injury, all the UCI World Champions in the men's category throughout the history of the event will compete in the United Arab Emirates: Logan Martin (AUS), Justin Dowell (USA), Rim Nakamura (JPN), and Kieran Reilly (GBR).

Reilly's victory over Martin in Glasgow, Scotland (UK) in 2023 made history. After interruptions due to rain, the final two runs – those of Nakamura and Martin – were expected to be decisive. Yet neither could surpass Reilly. Here, he shares his expectations.

How has 2024 been for you so far?

Kieran Reilly (K.R.): 2024 has been an amazing year for me: I qualified for my first Olympics, earned a silver medal... It's been an incredible year that I'm very proud of, and also very motivating!

Do you think multiple riders have a chance to win? What will you need to do to beat them?

K.R.: Absolutely, the level of competition is incredible! There are so many talented riders. No one has been crowned UCI World Champion two years in a row yet. That shows that anyone can win if they're having a good day. But I’m confident in my preparation, both on and off the bike, and I feel ready.

The BMX Freestyle scene is still quite small in the UAE. Do you hope to change that by putting on a great show?

K.R.: I’d really like to have an impact on the BMX Freestyle scene there. I hope to put on a great show, and if anyone gets inspired to start riding because of it, that would be a win for me.

Are you ready for the UCI World Championships?

K.R.: I’m well prepared, and I have a clear goal. I want to be the first man to win the UCI World Championships twice in a row, and I’ve done everything I can to be ready.

Trials: Nina aims for a seventh title

In trials, Spanish riders have traditionally dominated in some categories and seem to hold strong against the rest of the world. Currently, the reigning UCI World Champions include two Spaniards: Alejandro Montalvo (Men Elite 20”) and Daniel Cegarra (Men Junior 26”), along with the Spanish team that won the mixed team competition. The other titles are held by two Britons, who claimed them at home in the rain in Glasgow – Oliver Weightman (Men Junior 20”) and Jack Carthy (Men Elite 26”) – and German Nina Reichenbach, who became the UCI World Champion for the sixth time in 2023.

During recent UCI World Cup rounds and the last UCI World Championships, Reichenbach engaged in a fierce battle with 2021 UCI World Champion, Spanish Vera Barón. The German rider shares her ambitions.

How has your preparation been for the UCI World Championships?

Nina Reichenbach (N.R.): I would say that the preparation I’ve followed over the last month, or the past year, is one of the most professional and intense I’ve ever done. So, when I look at my level, I would say it’s the highest I’ve ever reached, and that’s why I’m really excited to compete at the UCI World Championships this year.

Are you feeling confident?

N.R.: Yes, I’m very confident. I know I’ve done everything I can to perform well. I also know that others – especially Vera [Barón] – are very, very strong. But I think the UCI World Championships are special every year. It’s not just about the level on the bike, but also about mental strength, so yes, I am confident.

I really enjoy my rivalry with Vera because I know that without someone like her, I wouldn’t be at the level I am now. And for the UCI World Championships, I’m five years older than Vera, I’ve already won six UCI World Championships titles, so I have nothing to lose, I can just go for it and enjoy it, and give my best performance. Maybe that could be an advantage.

The event is happening late in the calendar, is that important?

N.R.: I competed in my first event in March, and now we have the UCI World Championships in December. It’s quite a long period to stay in good shape and continue training. But I think I’ve managed it well, with some rest. I’m excited to compete, but I’m also looking forward to a few weeks of rest!

What do you think about being in Abu Dhabi? It will be a new course, but one that has been used for the UCI World Championships before, where you won in 2022.

N.R.: I’m looking forward to the sunshine and warmth. I think physically, that might be a challenge. Let’s see how our bodies react to the heat and conditions. You know it will be 25°C, sunny, and rain-free. The grip should be predictable. I’m excited to compete, both physically and mentally.