World Champs preview with Hannah Roberts (USA)

Jul 29, 2023

Written by Bart de Jong

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With the UCI BMX Freestyle Park World Championships around the corner we fired off some questions to 4-time UCI World Champion Hannah Roberts (USA). Will she be able to make it 5 in Glasgow?

You’ve won the UCI BMX Park World Championships title a few times already, where have you been successful over the years?
Hannah Roberts: I have been successful on and off the bike that have helped tremendously during contest. I have always had goals and an idea of where I wanna be at short term and long term. I might not always hit all the goals but it has kept me focused the last few years and has helped me be successful.

The UCI World Championships have taken you to China, France, and Abu Dhabi. Are you excited to get to Glasgow, Scotland this year?
Hannah Roberts: I’m pumped to go to Scotland! I’ve never been before and my parents are going so we are definitely taking some time to explore and to really enjoy the country!

It’s hard to get to the top, but it’s even harder to stay there. Can you confirm?
Hannah Roberts: It is harder to stay at the top. There’s always people pushing to beat

you and there are times where motivation runs out so it’s a constant mental battle to keep pushing and progressing as well as outside challenges such as other riders.

If you look at the development of Women Park riding under the UCI since the start 7 years ago, would you have ever believed we would be following a UCI World Cup series, UCI World Champs and ride at the Olympic Games?
Hannah Roberts: When I first stared with the UCI, I never thought bmx would get this big. The support and push for every step is incredible and it gives so many more opportunities!

Have you seen more female involvement around you in BMX?
Hannah Roberts: There are so many young riders that have reached out and families that have started riding. Around me there is a few girls that ride but around the world I know there are a bunch that are coming up so I’m excited to see where the sport will go!

It seems like direct-competition is coming from an unexpected corner these days (China). Does it motivate you to ride harder?
Hannah Roberts: I’m always excited to keep pushing my riding but I also enjoy seeing the push from other riders and honestly it’s incredible to see all the riders out of china! I don’t know if that specifically makes me ride harder but it definitely inspires me!

You have years of experience since you started competing/riding at a young age. Do you still get nervous before you drop in for your run?
Hannah Roberts: I do get a bit nervous on contest days but as I get prepared and go through my morning I gain confidence. Nerves are still there but way more manageable!

The support per nation has also improved over the years. How does it feel to get to represent the USA at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships?
Hannah Roberts: I always love wearing USA and I love representing USA on a global level. USA has been so supportive and they are the reason I have been so successful!

Is there anything on your to-do list for Glasgow that has nothing to do with BMX Freestyle?
Hannah Roberts: My biggest thing on my to-do list is to go to back to college. I want to set up a good life for myself and my family.