Shriever makes history with fourth BMX world title

Beth Shriever etched her name into BMX history by becoming the first rider to win four elite world titles, after severe weather forced the UCI BMX Racing World Championships in Brisbane to be abandoned.

The 27-year-old Briton was declared champion based on her fastest lap time from the opening round, after persistent strong winds prevented the finals from taking place. The UCI, with support from the Athletes' Commission and local organizers, opted to cancel the event and use the previous day's results.

What happened

Shriever's victory adds to her world titles in 2021, 2023 and 2025, as well as her Olympic gold from Tokyo 2020. In the men's event, fellow Briton Ross Cullen took silver with the second-fastest lap, behind Australia's Jesse Asmus.

• Beth Shriever wins fourth elite world title, a first for BMX racing.
• Extreme weather (strong winds) forced cancellation of finals in Brisbane.
• Results taken from first round; Shriever had fastest lap.
• Ross Cullen wins silver in men's event.
• Freia Challis wins women's junior gold for GB.

Shriever acknowledged the unusual circumstances but expressed satisfaction with her performance. "I laid down a solid lap yesterday, so everything happens for a reason," she told BBC Sport. "We wanted to do it properly today but we can't control the weather."

The historic achievement cements Shriever's legacy as the most decorated BMX racer in elite world championship history. The sport now looks ahead to future events, with the Olympic cycle continuing toward Paris 2024.