The third round of the 2025 UCI BMX Racing World Cup landed in Papendal, Netherlands, where blistering sunshine over 30°C and a packed Dutch crowd set the stage for a dramatic and emotional round.
Papendal Delivers: Heat, History, and Hard Hits
Set against the historical backdrop of Arnhem and the legacy-laden Dutch landscape, Papendal’s iconic track proved as technical and punishing as ever. With daytime temperatures soaring above 30°C and gusty winds testing the riders’ precision, Round 3 brought physical and tactical warfare to every corner.
Early casualties in the men’s elite included overall leader Arthur Pilard and fellow contender Jeremy Rencurel, opening the door for a major shake-up in the standings.
Videos to all finals below.
Under 23 Men: Jason Noordam’s Unshakable Dominance
Jason Noordam completed a hat trick of wins in the Men’s U23 category with another flawless performance on home soil. The Dutch rider didn’t have first gate pick, but from gate three, he powered down the first straight to control the final from the front. Compatriot Casper Pipers pushed him hard, even rail-riding turn two for a potential pass, but Noordam held firm.
“I just tried to manage the final, I knew I had to trust my gate and my speed.” – Jason Noordam
Podium:
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Jason Noordam (NED 🇳🇱)
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Casper Pipers (NED 🇳🇱)
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Mathis Jacquet (FRA 🇫🇷)
Under 23 Women: Michelle Wissing Untouchable
Michelle Wissing made it three from three, matching Nordam’s feat in the Men’s U23 class. Her powerful outside-lane launch from gate eight mirroring Dutch legend Niek Kimmann’s past tactics was clinical. Despite pressure from Renske van Santvoort and Lily Greenough, Wissing never wavered.
“I picked lane eight so I could do my own thing, it worked.” – Michelle Wissing
Podium:
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Michelle Wissing (NED 🇳🇱)
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Renske van Santvoort (NED 🇳🇱)
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Lily Greenough (NZL 🇳🇿)
Elite Men: Chaos and Karma as Rico Bearman Triumphs
In one of the most dramatic elite finals in recent years, Izaac Kennedy looked nailed-on for victory until he washed out under pressure from Jaymio Brink in the final corner. Both went down, clearing the path for Rico Bearman to capitalize and claim his first elite World Cup win.
“I didn’t even know what happened. I just saw it unfold and rode through,” said Bearman, 2023 U23 champion.
Podium:
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Rico Bearman (NZL 🇳🇿)
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Mitchel Schotman (NED 🇳🇱)
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Sylvain André (FRA 🇫🇷)
Notable: Schotman’s second-place ride made it three podiums for the Netherlands on home soil.
Elite Women: Laura Smulders’ Triumphant Return
Nine years after her Olympic bronze in London and her last World Cup win in 2022, Laura Smulders showed she’s still at the top of her game. From gate one, she beat Saya Sakakibara and Zoe Claessens into turn one and never looked back, collecting her 28th World Cup win and seventh at Papendal.
“This one is really emotional, it’s been a long time, but I knew I could still do it.” – Laura Smulders
Podium:
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Laura Smulders (NED 🇳🇱)
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Saya Sakakibara (AUS 🇦🇺)
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Zoe Claessens (SUI 🇨🇭)
🇬🇧 Team GB Report: Breakthroughs & Close Calls
It wasn’t a medal-laden round for the British riders, but there were important storylines and standout moments.
Sienna Harvey: First Final, First Statement
Sienna Harvey made her first-ever U23 World Cup final, qualifying in a dramatic semi-final finish. She went on to place sixth, a strong step forward and a clear sign that she’s ready to compete among the top tier of U23 riders.
Bethany Shriever: A Rare Slip
In a shock result, Bethany Shriever failed to make the Elite Women’s final. After a slight stall out of the gate in her semi-final, she found herself boxed in and unable to recover. It’s a rare off-day for the 2021 Olympic and World Champion but one that’s likely to add fuel to the fire for Round 4.
Ross Cullen: Strong Early Rounds, Misses Final
Ross Cullen progressed steadily through the early stages of the Elite Men’s competition, but a tough semi-final saw him miss the final cut. He continues to show form that suggests a breakthrough is imminent.
UCI BMX Racing World Cup Standings Update – Halfway Point of the Series
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Men’s Elite: Sylvain André now leads after Pilard’s early exit. Kennedy stays in the hunt.
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Women’s Elite: Saya Sakakibara retakes the lead ahead of Claessens and Simpson.
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Men’s U23: Jason Noordam opens a commanding lead with three straight wins.
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Women’s U23: Michelle Wissing remains perfect—three from three and looking unstoppable.
Up Next: Round 4 – Same Track, New Drama?
Round 4 takes place again tomorrow, giving riders a rare chance to re-run a World Cup weekend on the same track. For those chasing Noordam, Wissing, or Smulders, it’s a shot at redemption or reinforcement. For Team GB, it’s a second chance to turn momentum into medals.
📍 Stay tuned to uci.org for full results and rankings. And if you’re feeling inspired, find your local BMX club today’s champions started on tracks just like yours, use our track finder to get started.
