UCI Urban Cycling World Championships Conclude with Thrilling Trials and BMX Freestyle Finals in Abu Dhabi
The 2024 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships wrapped up in spectacular fashion in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, with a week of exhilarating competition across trials and BMX Freestyle disciplines. The five-day event drew athletes from around the world, each competing for the coveted rainbow jerseys, and concluded with awe-inspiring performances that left spectators captivated and cheering for more.
The trials events delivered edge-of-your-seat action as the world’s top riders showcased their balance, precision, and sheer determination. In the Women Elite trials, 16-year-old Alba Riera of Spain stunned the competition by claiming her first world title in a dramatic final. Facing fierce rivals such as her compatriot Vera Barón, a former UCI World Champion, and six-time titleholder Nina Reichenbach from Germany, Riera’s performance was nothing short of exceptional. Barón led early with a perfect score in the opening section, but Riera’s consistency and poise saw her secure the gold with 210 points. Barón earned the silver medal with 200 points, while Reichenbach took bronze with 180 points after a costly error in the final section dashed her hopes of retaining the title.
Spain’s dominance in trials continued in the Men Elite 20” competition, where defending champion Alejandro Montalvo retained his title in commanding fashion. Montalvo’s near-flawless performance, including a perfect score of 60 in the fourth section, helped him accumulate an impressive total of 270 points. His compatriots, Borja Conejos and Eloi Palau, joined him on the podium, earning silver and bronze, respectively. Conejos and Palau both finished with 200 points, but Conejos edged ahead based on his higher number of top-scoring sections. The Spanish trio’s success underscored the country’s unparalleled strength in trials riding.
The Men Elite 26” final provided yet another masterclass in trials, with Great Britain’s Jack Carthy clinching his seventh UCI World Champion title. Carthy, renowned for his unmatched skill and consistency, delivered a series of perfect scores to finish with 270 points. His British teammate Charlie Rolls earned silver with 250 points, while Oliver Weightman claimed bronze with 230 points. Carthy’s win marked his fourth consecutive title in the category and solidified his legacy as one of the greatest trials riders in history.
As the trials events concluded, attention turned to the BMX Freestyle finals, which showcased the sport’s energy, creativity, and global appeal. In the Women Elite Flatland competition, Japan’s Ayuna Miyashima emerged victorious, earning her first world title with an elegant and precise routine. Hungary’s Veronika Kadar secured silver, while her compatriot Anna Mondics took bronze. Miyashima’s victory was especially notable as she overcame tough competition from her fellow Japanese riders, who had entered the finals as favorites.
The Men Elite Flatland final was a fitting farewell for France’s Matthias Dandois, who delivered a stunning performance to claim the gold medal in his last-ever competition. Dandois’ perfect run earned him a score of 90.67, narrowly edging out Japan’s Moto Sasaki, who took silver. Canada’s Jean-William Prevost rounded out the podium with bronze. Dandois’ triumph was a testament to his technical mastery and artistic flair, and his farewell performance will be remembered as one of the highlights of the championships.
In the BMX Freestyle Park finals, the competition reached new heights as riders pushed the limits of their creativity and technical skill. The Women Elite category saw a dominant performance from the USA’s Hannah Roberts, who claimed her sixth UCI World Champion title. Roberts’ precision and flair on the course earned her top marks, while China’s Sibei Sun, despite a flat tire in her final run, secured silver with an impressive earlier performance. Bronze went to China’s Xiaotong Fan, whose creativity and execution delighted the crowd. Roberts’ victory reaffirmed her status as the queen of BMX Freestyle Park and a role model for aspiring riders worldwide.
The Men Elite Park final was equally thrilling, with Australia’s Logan Martin delivering two extraordinary runs to claim his third UCI World Champion title. Martin’s first run set the bar high with a score of 91.10, but he surpassed even that with a second run that earned him 94.30. Argentina’s Olympic champion José Torres Gil took silver with a score of 91.60, while the USA’s Justin Dowell earned bronze. The level of competition in the Men Park final was extraordinary, with multiple riders achieving scores above 90, reflecting the growing depth and talent in the sport.
The 2024 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships in Abu Dhabi will go down in history as a celebration of athleticism, artistry, and global unity. From the precision and grit of trials to the creativity and flair of BMX Freestyle, the event captivated audiences and showcased the best of urban cycling. Abu Dhabi’s successful hosting of the championships further cemented its reputation as a world-class destination for international sporting events. As the curtains close on this year’s competition, fans and athletes alike are already looking forward to the next chapter in the UCI Urban Cycling World Championships.
