A BMX cycling qualifying event planned for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in Saudi Arabia has been called off due to deadly missile attacks originating from neighboring Yemen. The Urban Cycling World Championships, scheduled for November 3-7 in Riyadh, had to be canceled as the city’s airport had recently been targeted by the Houthi rebel group. The International Cycling Union announced the cancellation, citing the regional situation’s impact on the logistical arrangements for the championships.
The Australian cycling federation withdrew its team earlier on Friday, referencing security concerns and advising against travel to the area due to the ongoing military strikes and retaliatory actions in Riyadh and beyond. AusCycling stated that the safety of their athletes and staff was paramount and that the risks involved were too great to proceed with participation.
The UCI, headquartered in Switzerland, highlighted that the championships were supposed to showcase the world’s top riders in trials and BMX Freestyle (Park and Flatland). They assured that updates on the implications of the cancellation would be provided shortly. The event was crucial for determining the BMX freestyle park athletes who would secure spots in the LA Summer Games lineup, where BMX competitions will take place at the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area in 2028, following the 2024 Paris Olympics held at Place de la Concorde.