The opening day of the 2025 UCI BMX Racing World Championships kicked off today in Copenhagen, Denmark, with Team USA making a strong showing across all categories. All nine American riders successfully advanced through a full day of racing, which included First Rounds, Last Chance Qualifiers, and 1/8th Finals for the men, earning their spots in tomorrow’s quarterfinals.
Alexis Alden (Peachtree City, Ga.; Albe’s Bike Shop) and Derin Merten (Tempe, Ariz.; Race Inc.) came out swinging in their Junior Women’s heats, both winning their first-round races to automatically transfer. Keiley Shea (La Habra, Calif.; 316 Racing) placed second in her U23 Women’s heat, comfortably moving on to the next round.
In the Elite Women’s category, Daleny Vaughn (Tucson, Ariz.; Biolab Sciences/DK Bicycles) and Payton Ridenour (Pottstown, Pa.; Union Square Sneakers) lined up together in their opening round. Vaughn crossed the line second, while Ridenour followed closely in fourth, securing advancement for both riders.
The men raced both their First Rounds and 1/8th Finals in order to advance to tomorrow’s racing. Evan Esposito (Palm Springs, Fla.; Albe’s Bike Shop) put down a standout lap in the Junior Men’s race. After a strong start, he made key passes in the first turn and powered through the second straight to take the win in his heat.
Drew Polk (Avon, Ind.; Factory Syndyt/LSG) raced strategically to hold onto fourth and punch his ticket to the next round. Cameron Wood (Bozeman, Mont.; Mongoose/USA BMX Foundation) looked smooth and composed, riding a clean lap to finish third in his heat. Kamren Larsen (Bakersfield, Calif.; Factory SSquared/Answer) came out strong from the gate and held onto third position all the way to the line to move on.
Team USA returns to the gate tomorrow with all nine riders competing in the quarterfinals as the action heats up on the final day of racing. Full results can be found here.
USA Cycling’s participation in the World Championships is made possible through the support of dedicated donors and partners. To support the USA Cycling National Team, members can donate to the USA Cycling Foundation here. USA Cycling's supporting partner for this event includes HOVERAir, who shares our mission to elevate the sport and inspire the next generation of cyclists.
