Cycling New Zealand has named an 11-strong Championship team to contest the 2025 UCI BMX Racing World Championships, with the country’s elite riders set to take on the world’s best in Copenhagen from 2–3 August.

The elite squad is led by Paris Olympians Rico Bearman (North Harbour) and Leila Walker (Cambridge), both looking to build on strong World Cup form in Europe this season. They’re joined by fellow Championship riders Michael Bias(North Harbour), Megan Williams (Rotorua), and Bennett Greenough (Cambridge), who is making his return from injury.

Alongside the elite riders, the New Zealand Championship team features:

• Under-23: Jack Greenough (Cambridge), Brooke Penny (Te Awamutu)

• Junior: Lily Greenough (Cambridge), Cooper Richardson (North Harbour), Finn Cogan (Cambridge), Nicholas Cowie (Southland)

These athletes have been gaining valuable international experience during recent UCI World Cup rounds in Europe, fine-tuning their preparations for the sport’s pinnacle event.

The Championship racing takes place following the Challenge (age group) and Masters classes, where New Zealand will also be strongly represented by more than 40 riders competing from 28–31 July. The full team reflects the strength of New Zealand BMX across both Championship and Challenge levels.

This marks the second time Copenhagen has hosted the World Championships. The track at the Danish capital has undergone major upgrades, including new surfaces on straights and ramps, reworked corners, and a new start gate on the 5m ramp, promising a fresh and fast racing experience for all competitors.

New Zealand BMX Racing Championship Team – 2025 UCI World Championships

Elite Women: Leila Walker (Cambridge), Megan Williams (Rotorua)
Elite Men: Rico Bearman (North Harbour), Michael Bias (North Harbour), Bennett Greenough (Cambridge)
Under-23: Jack Greenough (Cambridge), Brooke Penny (Te Awamutu)
Junior: Lily Greenough (Cambridge), Cooper Richardson (North Harbour), Finn Cogan (Cambridge), Nicholas Cowie (Southland)

Article added: Friday 04 July 2025