Each rider’s performance was assessed based on two one-minute runs, with judges considering overall execution, creativity, and difficulty. Riders were encouraged to perform two distinct runs to make the most of the competition course. The panel of judges included David Cleworth (UK), Bart de Jong (Netherlands), Markus Wilke (Germany), and Van Homan (USA).
David Cleworth described the competition course as truly unique, offering an exciting challenge for riders. “There’s no other course like this, so it’s fascinating to see how athletes blend long wall rides and curves with big jumps, technical ramps, and tricks,” he said.
From a judging perspective, Cleworth admitted scoring was slightly more complex due to the mix of street and park elements. “Normally, technical street riding and high-speed park riding are separate disciplines, but here, competitors choose which features to use. We have to compare their overall impression, which makes for an exciting competition. It was great to see athletes utilizing the entire course, which helped boost their scores,” he explained.
He pointed out how Rim Nakamura, who placed second, mixed high jumps with rail grinds, while Jordan Clark secured the top score by incorporating park-style tricks into the street section.
Excitement Builds for the Final
Cleworth hinted that the final would be even more intense. “In the qualifiers, where both runs count, riders focus on staying on their bikes and showcasing a variety of tricks. But in the final, they’ll push the limits—bigger jumps, more daring tricks, and creative riding lines,” he noted.
Roomet Säälik highlighted the challenge of the Simple Session course, describing it as unique each year. “It’s always a tough task to put together a solid run here, but that’s what makes it exciting. No other competition offers such diverse lines to ride,” said Säälik, who is also a professional scooter rider. Reflecting on his own performance, he was pleased with his consistency. “I completed both runs without falling, which I had never managed to do in this event before,” he said.
Jordan Clark was also satisfied with his performance. “The competition venue is really special. I’m not used to riding a course like this, but I’m hoping to improve even more in the final. The park section is massive, and figuring out the transitions between park and street elements is tricky, but it works,” he shared. Like Säälik, he appreciated the variety of riding options available, noting that riders must carefully decide how to use their one-minute runs effectively. “I think I secured the highest score because I incorporated a scooter-style trick that’s rarely seen in BMX, and it really impressed the judges,” Clark added.
BMX Finalists.
The BMX finals will take place on Sunday, March 9, at 18:00. The 15 riders who qualified for the final are:
1 Jordan Clark (GBR) – 84.25
2 Rim Nakamura (JPN) – 83.00
3 Dylan Hessey (GBR) – 77.50
4 Jose Cedano (CHI) – 73.00
5 Matt Ray (USA) – 72.50
6 Santiago Laverde (COL) – 72.37
7 Levi Weidmann (NED) – 71.25
8 Joji Mizogaki (JPN) – 69.45
9 Jack Clark (GBR) – 69.12
10 Ernests Zebolds (LAT) – 69.05
11 Kaede Ozawa (JPN) – 68.12
12 Miller Temple (GBR) – 68.00
13 Boyd Hilder (AUS) – 67.15
14 Jordan Godwin (GBR) – 65.00
15 Stuart Chisholm (GBR) – 64.75
The stage is set for an exciting final, where riders will have the chance to go all out and deliver their best performances yet.
By Simple Session.
Pics by Bart de Jong / FATBMX
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.