Stars Set to Battle for Continental Titles at the BMX European Championships in Valmiera

From July 11 to 13, Valmiera will become the BMX capital of Europe as it hosts the 2025 UEC BMX European Championships – one of the most prestigious and anticipated events on the Union Européenne de Cyclisme (UEC) calendar.
A total of 1,248 riders from 23 countries will compete over three days for European champion titles in the Junior, U23, Elite, and various Challenge categories – spanning both adult and youth age groups.
The races will take place at the Māris Štrombergs BMX Track “Valmiera” – a modern, technically challenging, and internationally acclaimed venue named after Māris Štrombergs, the first and only two-time Olympic BMX champion. The track previously hosted the 2019 European Championships and several UEC European Cup rounds, becoming a benchmark in BMX racing across Europe and globally.
A press conference was held today in Valmiera, where the media received updates and insights from Sandis Āķis, President of the Latvian Cycling Federation; Jānis Baiks, Chairman of Valmiera Municipality Council; and Veronika Monika Stūriška, junior world champion.

Enrico Della Casa, UEC President:

“Valmiera is home to one of the most iconic tracks in European and global BMX – an outstanding sports facility and a true symbol of European pride. Returning to Latvia, one of our two European BMX hubs alongside Verona in Italy, is a special occasion. This event takes place in a location that combines exceptional organization with genuine passion.
Thanks to Eurovision broadcasts, the championships will reach a wide audience across Europe, further elevating the visibility of the athletes, the BMX discipline itself, and the host city of Valmiera. I sincerely thank the Latvian Cycling Federation, its President Sandis Āķis, and the Organising Committee for their professionalism and long-standing commitment to the growth of European BMX.”

Sandis Āķis, President of the Latvian Cycling Federation:
“Valmiera is one of the jewels of European cycling. One of my personal goals was to bring the BMX European Championships back here. The city is a BMX hub for this part of Europe, and I believe we can continue to build on that in the long term.
Athletes can focus solely on performance – the infrastructure and organization in Valmiera are top-tier. Hosting the European Championships is also a strong motivator for Latvia’s new generation. Through their idols, young riders find inspiration, and Māris’s presence gives them an extra boost. This is a fantastic opportunity for Latvian athletes to showcase their talent.”

Top Contenders from Across the Continent
In the Men’s Elite category, Kye Whyte (Great Britain) will be one of the main title contenders, joined by teammate Ross Cullen, who has delivered impressive performances in this year’s European Cup. France will also field a strong team, including reigning European Champion Arthur Pilard, the technically skilled Mathis Ragot-Richard, and Sylvain André, silver medallist at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
In the Women’s Elite category, Zoé Claessens (Switzerland) – two-time European Champion and Olympic bronze medallist – will be among the favourites, alongside the experienced Laura Smulders (Netherlands), a multiple European and World medallist. Also in contention is rising Swiss talent Nadine Aeberhard, who has made her mark in recent seasons.
Latvia’s top hope is Veronika Monika Stūriška, the reigning European and World Champion in the Women’s U23category, who will be in the spotlight on home turf. Her main rival is Clara Gomez (Spain). In the Men’s U23 category, France’s Alexis Pieczanowsky, the 2024 European Champion, enters as the favourite.

Veronika Monika Stūriška:

“I can’t wait for the race days. Since I began riding from the pro start hill, I’ve trained here nearly every summer day – I call it my home track.
Seeing the best European athletes come to my home track brings a greater sense of responsibility. My family will be in the crowd, all of Latvia will be watching – that gives me extra motivation to push harder and show what I can do.
This is a unique opportunity to be part of something big. I still remember the last championship here – I was 13 and took third place in my age group. I wanted more.
This year, I have a chance to achieve everything I’ve dreamed of – to prove myself through actions, not just words.”

Jānis Baiks, Chairman of Valmiera Municipality Council:

“We are proud to co-organize the 2025 UEC BMX European Championships together with the Latvian Cycling Federation and the Valmiera BMX community.
The organizing team is experienced and ready. We expect about 200 more athletes than in 2019 – a clear sign of trust and appreciation for our track and event quality.
Our BMX track is uniquely located within the city, with nearby accommodation and services. Valmiera residents are welcoming, and we’ll offer high-quality catering and opportunities to explore the city and surroundings.
For the 280 Latvian athletes, it’s a valuable chance to compete against Europe’s best on home soil and gain ranking points. We’re ready to welcome the continent’s top BMX talent across all age categories.”

Strong Latvian Representation
Latvia will field a large national contingent, with 280 riders from clubs across the country.
The Latvian Cycling Federation set internal selection criteria earlier this year for athletes to qualify for the national team. Riders competed for the chance to represent Latvia in the Elite, U23, Junior, and two senior youth age categories – all of which award official European Champion titles and the iconic UEC jerseys. A total of 11 athletes secured places on the national team.

Symbolic Oak Planting – July 12
As part of the UEC’s initiative to reduce CO₂ emissions, each European Championship host receives a symbolic tree.
An oak tree will be planted near the Māris Štrombergs BMX Track on July 12 at 12:00, contributing to sustainability and leaving a lasting legacy.

Live Broadcast
The 2025 UEC BMX European Championships will be broadcast live on Eurosport, bringing the action to fans across Europe.

This major sporting event is organized by the Latvian Cycling Federation (LRF) in cooperation with the Union Européenne de Cyclisme (UEC), Valmiera Municipality, Māris Štrombergs Agency / BMX Club “Valmiera”, and Valmiera Olympic Centre.

The Championships will unite Europe’s best riders in a fierce battle for the prestigious European BMX Champion titles and the iconic UEC jerseys.