The 2024 UCI BMX Racing World Championships took place in Rock Hill, South Carolina on May 18 and provided the last opportunity for nations and individual riders to earn Olympic qualifying points. The competition featured the skill and experience of veteran riders Alise Willoughby from the USA and Joris Daudet from France, who both secured World Championship titles for the third time in their careers.
Unfortunately, defending Olympic gold medalist Bethany Schriever suffered a crash in the semi-finals, resulting in a fractured collarbone. Despite the setback, Schriever remained positive and determined for the upcoming Paris Olympics, stating on Instagram, “Time to get our heads down and get to work, still got one more opportunity and it’s a big one.”
The final stop of the UCI World Cup took place in Tulsa on April 27–28, where Australian riders Saya Sakakibara and Izaac Kennedy were crowned World Cup series champions. These events were part of a long qualification period that started in August 2022 and included two World Cup seasons, two World Championships, Continental championships, and more. The UCI will release the final Olympic rankings on June 4.
As National Olympic Committees have sole authority over choosing athletes for their respective countries’ Olympic delegations, participation in the Paris Games is contingent on their decision. Athletes must await their NOC’s decision for a chance to compete at Paris 2024.
