The world’s best BMX riders descended on Sleeman Sports Complex recently, with the 2026 UCI BMX World Championship delivering an unforgettable celebration of elite sport, community spirit and world class BMX racing.
Held at the Brisbane SX International BMX Centre at Sleeman Sports Complex, the championships welcomed almost 3,000 riders from 42 countries across the world to compete for the elusive rainbow jersey along with thousands of spectators across the nine days of competition.
Olympic champion Saya Sakakibara was full of praise for the venue, which will be used for Brisbane 2032.
“I knew coming into this weekend, it would be a teaser of what Brisbane 2032 would be like,” Ms Sakakibara said.
“Brisbane did an incredible job getting this track together. The venue looked awesome, the noise in the grandstands was incredible and it really brought that stadium feel, which BMX was lacking.”
“It was really cool to at least do one lap in front of a home crowd… I’m going to treasure that moment.”
Sleeman Sports Complex Event Manager Lisa Moczynski said the event offered something for everyone.
“We were delighted to host 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships and showcase the world’s best BMX riders, offering local and international fans and supporters the chance to witness the world’s best BMX racing athletes in action,” Ms Moczynski said.
“We welcomed almost 30,000 people across nine days, in what was a truly vibrant event atmosphere that showcased what the sport of BMX racing is all about.”
“The precinct was buzzing with lots on offer for fans including a wide selection of food and beverage stalls, athlete activations, racing and medal ceremonies, along with lots of fun family entertainment, including a special visit from Brisbane’s very own Bluey and Bingo!”
Sleeman Sports Complex General Manager Alex Hutchison said the integration into other spaces across the Sleeman Sports Complex precinct was a significant contributing factor for the success of the event.
"Making use of other spaces across the precinct played a big part in how well this event came together," Mr Hutchison said.
"We set up the rider village and front of house patron zones on the level 3 concourse of the Anna Meares Velodrome, with exhibition stalls throughout the area. It gave riders and fans a lot more space to move and really added to the atmosphere."
"The track itself was a huge talking point all week. It's world class, and the fact that our own Jesse Asmus trains on it as part of the BMX high performance program and then went on to win gold in front of a home crowd says everything about the quality of the facility. We had so much positive feedback about the track from riders and officials right across the nine days."
Stadiums Queensland Chief Executive Todd Harris said the championships proved a successful dress rehearsal as the venue prepares to again welcome the BMX world for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“The 2026 UCI BMX World Championship further strengthened the venue’s reputation as one of the best BMX racing tracks in the world for an event of this scale and highlighted once again Stadiums Queensland’s ability to deliver events on the world stage,” Mr Harris said.
“Many of the Australian team train here at the Brisbane SX International BMX Centre, highlighting the success of Stadiums Queensland’s high performance facilities and providing a competitive edge for home grown athletes in the lead up to what will our biggest and best event come 2032.”