In Rock Hill, the World Championships bring together the best riders in BMX racing for the toughest race of the year. The whole World Cup season has been behind them and riders have had the opportunity to prepare for this weekend’s competition.
In the women’s field, all eyes will be on Australia’s Sakakibara, who is the woman to beat. She has four World Cup wins and two second-place finishes, and defended her 2023 Overall World Cup title in Tulsa. As the UCI points leader and most dominant women’s rider, she is sure to put on an impressive performance. Great Britain’s Shriever, the Tokyo 2020 gold medallist and defending UCI World Championships winner, is another rider to watch in the women’s competition.
In the men’s field, French riders are expected to make a strong showing. UCI points leader Romain Mahieu will be looking to defend his 2023 World Championship title after putting in practice sessions on the Rock Hill track. Joris Daudet, in second place in points, seems to have recovered from a collarbone injury and is ready to compete. Colombia also has a strong presence with riders like Diego Arboleda and two-time Olympic bronze medallist Carlos Ramirez.
Niek Kimmann from the Netherlands, the Tokyo 2020 gold medallist, will be aiming to continue his World Cup momentum after two first-place finishes in Tulsa. Australian rider Izaac Kennedy, who has secured two consecutive silvers chasing Kimmann, will also be a threat on the track. With a talented field of riders set to compete,