On June 21 and 22, 2025, Papendal will once again host the UCI BMX Racing World Cup. This marks the 12th time the prestigious event takes place at this iconic venue in Gelderland, with two thrilling rounds where the world’s top riders will battle for UCI ranking points. For the fifth time, Papendal has been named ‘Best Event’ by the UCI, a testament to its outstanding organization, passionate atmosphere, and commitment to the sport.
This year’s theme is ‘Back to the Roots’, highlighting what it’s all about: pure BMX racing. No distractions – just raw speed, powerful starts, tight corners, and big jumps. The sport is front and center – just the way BMX was meant to be.
With 334 riders, rounds 3 and 4 of the UCI BMX Racing World Cup promise to be a spectacular edition. Never before have there been so many entries for a race weekend at Papendal. France leads the way with 80 riders, followed by the Netherlands (32), the USA (21), Australia (20), and Switzerland (18). In the Men Elite, Women Elite, and U23 categories, world-class athletes and rising talents will battle for the podium. Papendal is gearing up for a weekend full of action and top-level racing.
Gelderland: More Than Just Sport
In the lead-up to the BMX weekend, several Pumptrack Qualifiers will be held across Gelderland, where participants can win wildcards for the Gelderland Cup.
Additionally, three neighborhood races will take place in Arnhem. The Province of Gelderland is a proud partner of the event. Helga Witjes, Provincial Executive of Sport, emphasizes both the elite competition and its wider impact:
“We look forward to welcoming the world’s best BMX riders to Gelderland. But a major international sporting event is about so much more than just top athletic performances. With a full program of sports-related activities leading up to the event, we aim to
inspire all our residents to get moving.” – Helga Witjes, Provincial Executive for Sport, Province of Gelderland
Pumptrack Cup for All Ages
Alongside the main event, the International Pumptrack Cup will take place on both Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22. This accessible race is open to everyone – from young talents to seasoned BMX enthusiasts. Participants will take on a dynamic course filled with rollers and berms where rhythm and technique are key. More info and registration here.
“We look forward to welcoming the world’s best BMX riders to Gelderland. But a major international sporting event is about so much more than just top athletic performances. With a full program of sports-related activities leading up to the event, we aim to
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