Record-Breaking Start to 2025 UCI BMX Racing World Cup in Sarrians

Jun 11, 2025

Written by Bart de Jong

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The 2025 UCI BMX Racing World Cup is gearing up for a monumental opening round with an all-time high number of riders registered. For the first time in the event’s history, the entry list has exceeded 350 participants, a testament to the sport’s skyrocketing popularity in France—no doubt boosted by the French team's sweep of the podium at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in Saint Quentin-en-Yvelines. With Sarrians, France, set to host the season opener from June 13–15, 2025, it's no wonder that French competitors are turning out in full force to perform on their home track. The World Cup then moves on to Papendal, Netherlands the following weekend before concluding in Santiago del Estero, Argentina from September 19–21.

A total of 112 French athletes are slated to race in Sarrians, with the Under 23 Men’s division drawing the most attention due to its enormous field of 169 riders. Only eight will advance to the final, making it a demanding challenge where consistency and speed are crucial from start to finish. Each weekend hosts two rounds of racing—Rounds 1 and 2 in Sarrians, 3 and 4 in Papendal, and the final two rounds, 5 and 6, wrapping up the series in Argentina. Champions in each of the four divisions—U23 Women, U23 Men, Elite Women, and Elite Men—will be crowned in Santiago del Estero.

Among those gunning for a title is Ecuador’s Pedro Benalcazar Guerrero, currently sitting at the top of the UCI U23 Men rankings. His consistent speed has earned him the leader’s spot, and he’ll be competing across the first four rounds overseas before heading closer to home for the finale.

Hot on his heels are three Dutch riders, including Jason Noordam in second, who recently landed a podium finish at the UEC European Cup in Tiel—further strengthening his case as a championship contender. Noordam will be racing on familiar turf at Papendal, a highly anticipated round for him.

In the U23 Women’s field, 57 riders will take to the gate in Sarrians. The competition is wide open, with a talented international field. French hopes rest on Marie Favrel, aiming to make a strong statement in her last year before advancing to the Elite class. Ava Corley from the USA is returning with renewed focus, while Lissi van Schijndel of the Netherlands looks to maintain her lead in the UCI rankings. She’ll need strong performances, especially with Belgium’s Valerie Vossen closing the gap. Latvia’s Veronika Sturiska, reigning national, continental, and World Champion, is also a formidable contender.

The Sarrians track has been finely tuned for the World Cup kickoff, and many athletes got a chance to ride it in advance thanks to the French Cup event held the week before. Olympic gold medalist Saya Sakakibara (AUS) has already tested the course, describing it as challenging and intense. With Sarrians enjoying around three hundred sunny days per year, conditions should be favorable, despite the potential for wind. The grandstands—likely packed with fans—will help mitigate any breezy interference.

France’s Axelle Etienne claimed victory at the French Cup in Sarrians, indicating she’s in great shape. Olympic medalists Merel Smulders and Manon Veenstra from the Netherlands also secured top finishes there, showing early season form. However, the competition heats up further with riders like Bethany Shriever (GBR) and Zoe Claessens (SUI) in the mix—making predictions tricky.

French dominance in the Elite Men’s category is well established after their clean sweep at Paris 2024. Joris Daudet, Sylvain André, and Romain Mahieu are just a few names that could land on the podium again. However, they’re not alone—Arthur Pilard and Leo Garoyan are also strong contenders who could shake things up. Meanwhile, Cam Wood from the USA enters the season in top form, having picked up multiple victories on the USABMX circuit. Known for his win-or-nothing mindset, he’s sure to push the pace in France.

Add to that the likes of Isaac Kennedy (AUS), Rico Bearman (NZL), Ross Cullen (GBR), and a skilled Swiss squad, and you’ve got the ingredients for a thrilling start to the World Cup series.

2025 UCI BMX Racing World Cup Calendar:

Rounds 1 & 2: June 14–15, Sarrians, France

Rounds 3 & 4: June 21–22, Papendal, Netherlands

Rounds 5 & 6 (Finals): September 20–21, Santiago del Estero, Argentina