A BMX cycling qualifying event planned for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in Saudi Arabia was called off on Friday following fatal missile strikes from Yemen. The Urban Cycling World Championships, scheduled for November 3-7 in Riyadh, were disrupted due to recent attacks on the city’s airport by the Houthi rebel group.
The International Cycling Union stated that the decision to cancel the championships was made after assessing the regional situation and its impact on event logistics. The Australian cycling federation withdrew its team earlier on Friday, citing security concerns and the volatile situation, including military actions and retaliatory strikes in Riyadh.
The UCI, headquartered in Switzerland, noted that the championships were supposed to showcase the world’s top riders in trials and BMX Freestyle (Park and Flatland). Details on the implications of the cancellation for the sport would be provided shortly.
The event was crucial for two male and two female BMX freestyle park athletes aiming to secure spots in the 2028 LA Olympics. The venue for BMX freestyle park competition at the 2028 Games will be the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area, while the 2024 Paris Olympics hosted the event at Place de la Concorde.
