Saudi-hosted 2028 Olympics qualifier in BMX cycling canceled after Riyadh airport bombing
AIGLE, Switzerland (AP) — A BMX cycling qualifying event in Saudi Arabia for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics was canceled Friday after deadly missile attacks from neighboring Yemen.The Urban Cycling World Championships were due to be staged Nov.
The BMX cycling qualifying event for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, scheduled to take place in Riyadh from November 3-7, has been called off due to recent missile attacks from neighboring Yemen, according to the International Cycling Union (UCI). The UCI made the decision following an assessment of the current situation in the region and its potential impact on the logistical organization of the championships.
The city's airport had already been targeted by the Houthi rebel group in the past week. The Australian cycling federation also withdrew its team from the event, citing travel advisories regarding the unpredictable security situation in Saudi Arabia, including military strikes and retaliation attacks. This withdrawal was based on the federation's belief that they could not justify exposing their athletes and staff to these risks.
The UCI stated that they would provide further information on the sporting consequences of this decision. The championships were set to feature the world's best BMX riders competing in trials and BMX Freestyle events, including park and flatland.
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