Following the announcement that the 2026 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships will not take place, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) would like to clarify some points concerning the consequent sporting implications.
The 2026 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships were due to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 3 to 7 November, and would have awarded 10 titles of UCI World Champion across the disciplines of trials and BMX Freestyle (Park and Flatland).
They were also to be the first opportunity for BMX Freestyle Park athletes to earn qualification points for the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028. The UCI is currently in contact with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to adapt the qualification pathway, which concludes with the Olympic Q-Series, a series of three qualification events in May and June 2028. Details of the revised pathway will be communicated in November.
As the UCI World Champion titles will not be contested this year, the 2025 UCI World Champions will keep their titles, in accordance with article 1.3.063 of the UCI Regulations. They will continue to wear the rainbow jersey in their discipline, speciality and category until the evening of the day before the start of the 2027 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships. However, 2025 UCI World Champions who change category or speciality will not be entitled to wear the rainbow jersey in their new category or speciality.
The UCI understands the disappointment of athletes, teams and National Federations in these exceptional circumstances, and is working to limit the consequences for those affected.