Copenhagen Set to Crown 2025 UCI BMX Racing World Champions in Championship classes

Jul 29, 2025

Written by Bart de Jong

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Every season, there’s one BMX event that tops them all—the UCI BMX Racing World Championships. It’s more than just a race; it’s a global gathering of speed, style, and national pride. For 2025, the destination is Copenhagen, Denmark, and it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable one. 3,318 riders from 48 countries have made the trip, filling gates and grandstands at Copenhagen BMX Club’s recently revamped facility. The track has hosted major races in the past, but the upgrades this year take it to a whole new level. A fresh 400-meter surface, reworked corners, and world-class start hills now match the sport’s evolution—faster, tighter, more technical.

The Challenge classes kick off the week (Monday to Thursday), bringing in a surge of entries across all age groups, including Cruiser categories. With France riding the momentum of Paris 2024, their massive 449-rider squad leads the charge—outnumbering traditionally strong nations like the Netherlands (331), Great Britain (318), and the USA (311). Host nation Denmark is also all-in, entering 235 riders and showing just how deep the BMX roots run here.

But the real fireworks begin when the Championship classes roll in for the first weekend of August. Friday will be all about practice, but Saturday and Sunday is where the titles are won—and lost.

Saturday’s qualifying heats lead into the knockout rounds and finals on Sunday, where rainbow jerseys are waiting for those who rise to the occasion.

The 17-18 age group kicks off the title races, and history has shown that future Olympians often get their first taste of international glory here. Riders aged 19-22 have the Under 23 class to sharpen their edge before stepping into the Elite ranks. Latvia’s Veronika Sturiska, the reigning U23 World Champ from Rock Hill, is back to defend her crown, but challengers like Emily Hutt (GBR) and Michelle Wissing (NED) are hungry for their own shot at the title.

The beauty of Worlds? You never know who’ll show up swinging. Some athletes don’t hit the World Cup circuit but train all year for this single shot. In recent years, we’ve seen surprise finalists from Africa, South America, and Asia. 2025 could easily deliver more of that.

In the Men’s U23 class, the name on everyone's radar is Jason Noordam. The Dutch powerhouse has been cleaning up UCI World Cups all year. He plays it cool—“one race at a time”—but make no mistake, a World Championship title in Copenhagen is high on his wish list.

Then we move to the big leagues: the Elite categories. The fastest BMX racers on the planet, lining up for the most prestigious title in the sport.

In Elite Women, the lineup sees some changes. Reigning World Champion Alise Willoughby is taking a break for motherhood, and Mariana Pajón is also stepping back as she prepares to welcome a new family member. But the field is still stacked. Bethany Shriever (GBR) has been lighting up the European circuit and is eyeing that rainbow jersey hard. She’ll be challenged by Saya Sakakibara (AUS), who’s always dangerous when she’s dialed in, as well as consistent heavy-hitters like Zoe Claessens (SUI) and Laura Smulders (NED).

One rider to watch is Malene Kejlstrup. The Dane has climbed the ranks quickly and will be riding in front of a home crowd. That alone could push her to new heights. Canadian Molly Simpson is coming off her first Elite World Cup win and knows what it takes to repeat. And don’t count out Merel Smulders—left off the Dutch national team for the World's at first, but with every reason to prove a point.

Elite Men? It’s an open battlefield. France is bringing a stacked roster—Joris Daudet, Sylvain André, Arthur Pilard, Leo Garoyan, and Theo Thouin—all potential finalists, all capable of taking gold. Could this be Eddy Clerté’s breakout year? He’s been knocking on the door for a while now.

But other nations have firepower too. Izaac Kennedy (AUS), Cedric Butti (SUI), Rico Bearman (NZL), and Cameron Wood (USA) all have the speed—and the hunger. As always, Copenhagen’s layout will reward precision and rhythm, especially on the first and third straights. Lose speed there, and you’re out of the game. It’s that simple.

This one’s wide open. Rainbow stripes are on the line. And by Sunday evening, we’ll know who conquered Copenhagen.