Under the Provençal Sun: UCI BMX World Cup Racing Heats Up in Sarrians for Round 2

Jun 15, 2025

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 22 times

Though the thermometer dipped ever so slightly to a still-scorching 32°C, Sunday brought another blazing chapter to the 2025 BMX Racing World Cup. Fortunately, unlike the gusty ordeal of 2024 when a round got cancelled, the winds stayed calm, setting the stage for a day of high-calibre international racing. Michelle Wissink, donning the red leader plate with a confidence befitting a champion, made her mark once again in the Under 23 category. Starting out wide from lane 6 and trailing through the first turn, Wissink had to artfully weave her way past Marie Favrel (FRA) and Derin Merten (USA) to chase down Lily Greenough (NZL), who had surged ahead with a textbook holeshot. But Michelle had her eyes on victory—by the third straight, she gracefully pumped her way into the lead. Emily Hutt (GBR) came charging from behind and nearly stole the spotlight with a clever high-low maneuver in the final corner. The sprint to the line was a heart-stopper, with Wissink clinching the win ahead of Hutt and Greenough. Une finale pleine de passion!

Chaos and Control in Under 23 Men

The men’s Under 23 final, by contrast, began in disarray—four riders tumbled before reaching the first corner. Unshaken by the crash were Jason Noordam, Jesse Asmus (AUS), and Pierre Geisse (FRA), who kept their composure and focus. Joshua Jolly (AUS), however, lost vital momentum and could not recover in time to challenge for the podium. In the end, it was a clean double triumph for Jason Noordam, with Asmus securing second and Geisse riding home in third. Bravo!

A Canadian Breakthrough in Elite Women

The Elite Women’s final delivered a career-defining moment for Molly Simpson (CAN), who launched out of the gate with a start that seemed touched by destiny. By the first turn, she had command of the race—but with Bethany Shriever (GBR) and Zoe Claessens (SUI) breathing down her neck, there was no room for hesitation. Daleny Vaugh (USA) mounted a charge on the third straight, slipping past Claessens into third. Molly, however, stayed cool under pressure, holding off the heavyweights behind her to capture her very first UCI BMX Racing World Cup victory.

Beaming with joy, Simpson said: “I can’t believe it, it was a perfect day. I made a bet with my coach a few years ago—I told him when I win my first World Cup, he has to dye his hair red. I can’t wait to see that.” Shriever followed her across the line in second. Charmant!

French Finesse on Display in Elite Men

The home crowd held their breath until the final showdown—and it was well worth the wait. As Arthur Pilard, Sylvain André, Eddy Clerté, and Jérémy Rencurel dove into the first corner en masse, the French fans sensed something special was brewing. Meanwhile, Izaac Kennedy (AUS) moved tactically into fourth on the second straight, and when Rencurel went down in the rhythm section, Kennedy seized third.

Up front, the duel was on: Sylvain André hunting Arthur Pilard with classic French tenacity. In the last turn, André made his move—clean, bold, and brilliant. He crossed the line in first, securing a magnifique 1-2 finish for France that had the local supporters roaring with pride. A perfect close to an electric opening weekend.

Next Stop: Papendal

With two rounds now in the books, it is Michelle Wissink, Jason Noordam, Molly Simpson, and Arthur Pilard who will carry the coveted red leader plates into Rounds 3 and 4 in Papendal, Netherlands. Expect more fireworks, more finesse—and a touch more drama à la française.

Elite Men:
1 Sylvain ANDRE 33 FRA 31.668
2 Arthur PILARD 29 FRA 31.822
3 Izaac KENNEDY 25 AUS 32.405

Elite Women:
1 Molly SIMPSON 23 CAN 34.555
2 Bethany SHRIEVER 26 GBR 35.146
3 Daleny VAUGHN 24 USA 35.765

Under 23 Men:
1 Jason NOORDAM 20 NED 31.564
2 Jesse ASMUS 22 AUS 31.877
3 Pierre GEISSE 21 FRA 32.259