The 2024 UCI Urban World Championships brought the world’s top BMX Freestyle athletes to Abu Dhabi for exciting competition across BMX Freestyle Park, BMX Freestyle Flatland, and Trials. Representing the United States, seven athletes traveled to the United Arab Emirates to compete in the championship event.
The week began with the men’s qualifying rounds, where Justin Dowell (Virginia Beach, Va.; Hyper BMX), Bryce Tryon(Lodi, Calif.; Free Agent Bikes), Kaden Stone (Lake Elsinore, Calif.; Free Agent Bikes), and Nick Bruce (Youngstown, Ohio; DK Bicycles) advanced to the semi-finals as part of the top 24 riders. In the semi-finals, Dowell delivered a standout run, earning fifth place and securing his spot in the Finals.
On the women’s side, Hannah Roberts (Buchanan, Mich.; Hyper BMX) qualified second, facing strong competition from Team China, which placed six riders in the final round of twelve. Angie Marino (Buffalo, N.Y.; Cult Crew) put down two solid runs but finished 19th, falling short of advancing. Cory Coffey (Detroit, Mich.; Garden of Life), a trailblazer in women’s BMX, competed in what marked the final contest of her accomplished career.
Saturday’s Finals showcased the best in BMX Freestyle Park. The women’s competition saw next-level progression, with Roberts once again claiming the top step of the podium to secure her sixth World Title. Despite a strong showing from top qualifier Sibei Sun (CHN), a flat tire during her final run allowed Roberts to retain the crown, edging out a highly competitive field.
In the Men’s Park Final, Logan Martin (AUS) set the bar with an impressive 91.10 on his first run, in a contest where only four riders managed to break into the 90s. Among them was Dowell, who executed a strong first run to secure third place and the bronze medal. Martin’s second run further solidified his dominance, earning him the World Title. Dowell’s medal marks another milestone in his career, making him one of the few riders to hold every color of medal at the World Championships: Gold in 2019, Silver in 2022, and Bronze in 2024.
The U.S. team leaves Abu Dhabi with another world title and a podium finish, highlighting the nation’s continued strength in BMX Freestyle on the global stage.
1. Hannah Roberts (USA) – 95.70
2. Sibei Sun (CHN) – 94.06
3. Xiaotong Fan (CHN) – 93.72
1. Logan Martin (AUS) – 94.30
2. Jose Torres (ARG) – 91.60
3. Justin Dowell (USA) – 90.74
