What an incredible experience to ride in the UCI BMX World Cup 2026. This is the first time the United States has hosted the BMX World Cup in 10 years.
I was been battling a knee injury for a few months, and I was uncertain if I would healthy enough to compete. Luckily my physical therapists Gina and Melissa at Achieve Sports Medicine got me ready to ride. I registered on the last possible day, as I was still unsure if my body would cooperate.
With the some dry-needling and a proper diagnosis, I was able to start riding again three weeks before the comp. Yes, I only had three weeks to prepare for the competition. I felt really out of shape, but my strategy was just to grin and bear it for a run.
Prelims
The prelim is often more nerve wracking than than the final. You only get one shot to make the top 8 riders. A few mistakes is the difference between riding in the final or watching from the sidelines as a spectator.
I was still unsure how I would ride in the competition. Practice time is very limited, and honestly I didn’t feel confident.
But when they called my name the instincts took over and I got that focused-tunnel vision. Competing as a pro rider for 27 years has it’s advantages, and often muscle memory is your best friend.
I did a no-touch run in the prelim, and was overcome with emotion when the three-minute buzzer went off. It took a lot of mental energy to prepare for this event between injuries and everything else. So I was thrilled to qualify in the number three position.
Finals
The finals have a new format this year. You get two runs, and they only count your best run. It pushes the riders to try their hardest tricks, as you get two chances.
Since we ride in the reverse order of qualifying results, I rode third to last. It was pretty heavy knowing the only two riders after me are the top Japanese riders, who won the World Championship in 2023 and 2025. To be in that company at my age is already a victory. After all, these riders are only 21 and 23 years old. I turned pro before they were even born.
My runs in the finals were good, but didn’t quite have the magic of the prelims. But I had one mistake each run, which kept me just off the podium. It was still a great comp, and I ended up finishing as the top rider from the United States… At age 47.
Thanks to everyone who helped me ride at this contest. And a special shout out to Gina Pongetti and Melissa Stoch with Achieve Sports Medicine for getting me healthy enough to ride.
I’ll be heading to Santiago, Chile to compete at the American Continental Championship.
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