Emma Jimenez Palos Defends Junior Scratch Race World Title at the 2026 UCI Junior Track World Championships

Opening the 2026 UCI Junior Track World Championships in Limburg, Belgium, Emma Jimenez Palos (Miami, Fla.; City Bikes Miami Racing) set out to defend her Scratch Race World Championship title. 

Jimenez Palos opened her campaign in the morning qualifying heats, placing fourth in the first heat of the Scratch Race in her first race of the championships. By the evening final, she was ready to deliver. With a perfectly executed race, Jimenez Palos powered to victory to successfully defend her World Championship title and open the championships with gold. 

Tomorrow, Rue Tomko (Bellevue, Wash.; Jerry Baker Juniors) will take on the Elimination Race. Later in the weekend, Jimenez Palos will be back on the track to race the Omnium and Individual Pursuit.