BMX Freestyle is a dynamic branch of BMX that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, focusing on performing tricks, stunts, and maneuvers rather than racing. It encompasses disciplines like Street, Park, Dirt, Vert, and Flatland, where riders showcase their creativity and skills on various obstacles such as ramps, bowls, and jumps. BMX Freestyle riders execute a wide range of tricks including spins, flips, grinds, manuals, barspins, and tailwhips, pushing the boundaries of what's possible on a BMX bike.
In competition, riders are judged based on the difficulty, execution, style, and variety of tricks they perform. BMX Park is the only Olympic-recognized discipline where riders take two 60-second runs to show off their best tricks on a variety of ramps. BMX Freestyle bikes are specially designed with a sturdy frame, 20” wheels, durable components, and features like rotor systems for handlebar spins, catering to the sport's blend of athleticism, technicality, and artistic expression, captivating riders and fans globally.
Join The Team
Competing on the BMX Freestyle National Team requires not only exceptional riding skills but also dedication, perseverance, and a passion for the sport. It's a journey that demands hard work, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of excellence to excel at the highest level of BMX Freestyle competition. To get started in BMX, find a local skatepark or start competing at a USA BMX Freestyle event!
USA Cycling is responsible for supporting and guiding athletes capable of winning Olympic medals, while also identifying, recruiting and developing future Games athletes. Our vision is to be amongst the very best in the world at talent identification, athlete development, management and preparation in all cycling disciplines. The National Team Designation is considered a critical means for achieving this vision. The support provided through the program seeks to offset some of the expenses associated with preparing for and participating in international sport. The program aims to support and assist athletes with the greatest potential to win medals at the Olympic Games and World Championships.
USA Cycling is responsible for selecting the athletes who represent the United States in Protected Competitions through an extensive selection process.
The discipline-specific selection committee provides oversight and accountability of the athlete nomination process. They ensure that the athlete selection procedures are followed and that criteria – both automatic and discretionary - are applied appropriately to nominate athletes. Once confirmed, they approve the athlete nominations.
Each discipline-specific selection committee is composed of three volunteers – a 10 Year Athlete, discipline expert unrelated to USA Cycling, and USA Cycling Discipline Director. Each selection committee includes at least one-third 10 Year Athlete Representatives as required by the USOPC Bylaws. Athlete Representatives on the selection committees are approved by USA Cycling’s Athletes’ Advisory Council.
The BMX Freestyle Selection Committee is as follows:
BMX Freestyle is a dynamic branch of BMX that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, focusing on performing tricks, stunts, and maneuvers rather than racing. It encompasses disciplines like Street, Park, Dirt, Vert, and Flatland, where riders showcase their creativity and skills on various obstacles such as ramps, bowls, and jumps. BMX Freestyle riders execute a wide range of tricks including spins, flips, grinds, manuals, barspins, and tailwhips, pushing the boundaries of what's possible on a BMX bike.
In competition, riders are judged based on the difficulty, execution, style, and variety of tricks they perform. BMX Park is the only Olympic-recognized discipline where riders take two 60-second runs to show off their best tricks on a variety of ramps. BMX Freestyle bikes are specially designed with a sturdy frame, 20” wheels, durable components, and features like rotor systems for handlebar spins, catering to the sport's blend of athleticism, technicality, and artistic expression, captivating riders and fans globally.
Join The Team
Competing on the BMX Freestyle National Team requires not only exceptional riding skills but also dedication, perseverance, and a passion for the sport. It's a journey that demands hard work, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of excellence to excel at the highest level of BMX Freestyle competition. To get started in BMX, find a local skatepark or start competing at a USA BMX Freestyle event!
USA Cycling is responsible for supporting and guiding athletes capable of winning Olympic medals, while also identifying, recruiting and developing future Games athletes. Our vision is to be amongst the very best in the world at talent identification, athlete development, management and preparation in all cycling disciplines. The National Team Designation is considered a critical means for achieving this vision. The support provided through the program seeks to offset some of the expenses associated with preparing for and participating in international sport. The program aims to support and assist athletes with the greatest potential to win medals at the Olympic Games and World Championships.
USA Cycling is responsible for selecting the athletes who represent the United States in Protected Competitions through an extensive selection process.
The discipline-specific selection committee provides oversight and accountability of the athlete nomination process. They ensure that the athlete selection procedures are followed and that criteria – both automatic and discretionary - are applied appropriately to nominate athletes. Once confirmed, they approve the athlete nominations.
Each discipline-specific selection committee is composed of three volunteers – a 10 Year Athlete, discipline expert unrelated to USA Cycling, and USA Cycling Discipline Director. Each selection committee includes at least one-third 10 Year Athlete Representatives as required by the USOPC Bylaws. Athlete Representatives on the selection committees are approved by USA Cycling’s Athletes’ Advisory Council.
The BMX Freestyle Selection Committee is as follows:
Jamie Bestwick, one of the most decorated athletes in BMX history, has joined USA Cycling as the head coach of the BMX Freestyle National Team. With seven years of coaching experience at British Cycling, where he guided athletes to three Olympic medals, Bestwick brings unparalleled expertise to elevate the U.S. program.
Bestwick’s leadership will focus on preparing athletes for major events, including the UCI World Cups, UCI World Championships, and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. His proven track record and passion for BMX promise to inspire the next generation of riders and propel USA Cycling to new heights on the global stage.
A successful professional cyclist in his own right, Jim coached several cyclists on the side and eventually retired from racing in 1999 to focus solely on his flourishing coaching career. After developing several notable cyclists, he originally came to USA Cycling to run the women’s road program in 2002. After earning Coach of the Year distinctions from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee in 2003 & 2004, Jim was promoted to director of endurance programs, overseeing the development of American junior, U23, and women endurance athletes in road and track cycling. After making significant strides toward the USA Cycling National Development Program’s goal of developing the next generation of American cyclists, he was named Vice President of Athletics in 2010. In 2017, Jim left USA Cycling to become the Vice President of Business Development for Training Peaks. Unable to resist the Olympic call, he returned to USA Cycling in 2020 as the Chief of Sport Performance. He has earned the International Olympic Committee’s highest honor for coaches, the Order of Ikkos, three times, all for coaching 3-time Olympic Champion Kristen Armstrong to victory.