The inaugural combined UCI Cycling World Championships will be hosted by Glasgow, Scotland, in 2023. The Glasgow BMX Centre is the stage for the BMX Racing events scheduled on August 12-13. Defending champions Simon Marquart and Felicia Stancil are prepared to uphold their titles at this location.
This month, elite bicycle motocross (BMX) riders from around the world are once again coming together for the UCI Cycling World Championships 2023, scheduled to take place in Glasgow, Great Britain.
The spotlight will be on the BMX racers on August 12 and 13 at the Glasgow BMX Centre. This specialized BMX facility was initially constructed for the 2018 European Championships and has hosted two rounds of the 2022 World Cup. This year marks the event’s 27th edition, an annual tradition since 1996, with the exception of 2020.
Defending champions in the elite category include Simon Marquart of Switzerland and Felicia Stancil from the United States. Meanwhile, Olympic gold medalists Niek Kimmann and Beth Shriever, along with two-time Olympic champion Mariana Pajón, are aiming to recapture their positions at the top of the podium.
LIVE | Day One – BMX Racing Challenge Event | 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships
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A total of six gold medals are at stake, spanning across men’s and women’s events in the junior (17–18), under-23, and elite divisions. Additionally, the event will assign UCI points in the Olympic ranking to the three highest-ranked athletes in the Elite and U23 categories, representing their respective National Olympic Committees (NOCs).
For more information about Beth Shriever‘s unique journey towards Paris 2024 and details regarding the qualifications for BMX racing at the upcoming Games, you can find relevant information through the provided links.
Prominent Cyclists Worth Observing at the 2023 UCI BMX Racing World Championships
So far in the ongoing World Cup season, four rounds have been completed, with French cyclists establishing their dominance in the men’s events. Romain Mahieu has clinched two victories and secured second place, establishing himself as the current leader. This performance has positioned him as the prominent frontrunner as he heads into the World Championships, fueled by his remarkable form.
Joris Daudet, also hailing from France, triumphed in the most recent World Cup race in Papendal during June, achieving two wins this season. The 2018 world champion, Sylvain André, currently holds the fourth position.
The upcoming event in Glasgow will witness a fierce competition for medals. Notable contenders include Olympic champion Niek Kimmann, who reached three finals this season with his highest placement being fourth; Colombian rider Diego Arboleda, boasting two podium finishes in this year’s World Cup circuit; defending champion Simon Marquart; and local favorite Kye Whyte, the Olympic silver medalist.
On the women’s side, Olympic champion Beth Shriever has displayed exceptional performance this season, securing victories in three out of the four World Cups held thus far. She stands out as a clear frontrunner and is set to receive enthusiastic support from her British fans in Glasgow, as she strives to add another world title to her 2021 victory.
Beth Shriever will be contending with strong opponents, notably Australian cyclist Saya Sakakibara. Sakakibara managed to win the race that Shriever did not and has also reached two additional finals this season, with her lowest finish being 12th.
Alise Willoughby, a two-time world champion and the 2016 Olympic silver medalist, has achieved podium finishes three times this season, defying her experienced status. Mariana Pajón, another accomplished rider, is expected to be a formidable competitor.
While defending champion Felicia Stancil encountered challenges during the World Cup season, underestimating her would be a misjudgment. The Netherlands’ Smulders sisters, Laura and Merel, are also poised to leave their mark on the competition.
Event Schedule: 2023 UCI BMX Racing World Championships
Times are indicated in British Summer Time (BST, UTC +1 hour).
Saturday, August 12th
14:00 – Initiation of Round 1 for Women’s junior
14:12 – Commencement of Round 1 for Men’s junior
14:28 – Start of Round 1 for Women’s under-23
14:40 – Onset of Round 1 for Men’s under-23
14:56 – Launch of Round 1 for Women’s elite
15:08 – Commencement of Round 1 for Men’s elite
15:30 – Last Chance Qualifier for Women’s junior
15:38 – Last Chance Qualifier for Men’s junior
15:48 – Last Chance Qualifier for Women’s under-23
15:56 – Last Chance Qualifier for Men’s under-23
16:06 – Last Chance Qualifier for Women’s elite
16:14 – Last Chance Qualifier for Men’s elite
18:00 – 1/8 Finals for Men’s junior
18:12 – 1/8 Finals for Men’s under-23
18:24 – 1/8 Finals for Men’s elite
Sunday, August 13th
11:30 – Quarter-Finals for Women’s junior
11:39 – Quarter-Finals for Men’s junior
11:48 – Quarter-Finals for Women’s under-23
11:58 – Quarter-Finals for Men’s under-23
12:08 – Quarter-Finals for Women’s elite
12:18 – Quarter-Finals for Men’s elite
12:28 – Semi-Finals for Women’s junior
12:35 – Semi-Finals for Men’s junior
12:42 – Semi-Finals for Women’s under-23
12:50 – Semi-Finals for Men’s under-23
12:58 – Semi-Finals for Women’s elite
13:06 – Semi-Finals for Men’s elite
13:14 – Final for Women’s junior
13:21 – Final for Men’s junior
13:28 – Final for Women’s under-23
13:36 – Final for Men’s under-23
13:58 – Final for Women’s elite
14:06 – Final for Men’s elite
Options for Watching BMX Racing during the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships
The BMX Racing World Championship competitions set for August 12 and 13 will be aired on channels like Flo Bikes in Canada, BBC Sport in the United Kingdom, RAI in Italy, TV Sport 2 in Norway, and Eurosport throughout Europe, along with several additional choices.
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