The men’s lineup at the 2024 Velosolutions UCI Pump Track World Championships features an impressive array of international talent, with each rider bringing their own unique story and strengths to the competition. Defending champion Alec Bob from the USA is back, aiming to secure his title with his years of experience in BMX and pump track racing. Alongside him, Niels Bensink from the Netherlands, the 2022 champion, combines his skills as a rider with his track-building expertise, showing up as both a competitor and a creator in the pump track community. Swiss athlete Tristan Borel, a three-time Swiss Pump Track Champion known for his lively spirit, will also be looking to make his mark after his runner-up finish in 2019.
Other athletes bring exceptional track records and fascinating backgrounds. Eddy Clerte from France, the 2021 champion, has been a consistent podium presence since 2018. Australia’s Ryan Gilchrist, the “King of Crankworx” and World E-Enduro Champion, is another major contender, known for his unparalleled speed and skill on a mountain bike. Also in the mix is Tommy Zula, the 2019 World Champion from the USA, who famously claimed his title on a mountain bike and has demonstrated remarkable resilience, returning to the sport after major surgery in 2022. With this strong lineup, the competition promises high-level excitement and fierce battles on the pump track.
The women’s roster brings together some of the most accomplished riders in the sport, each with a unique set of achievements. Swiss rider Nadine Aeberhard, a 2024 Olympian and known for her versatile skills, finished second at the 2020 Pump Track World Championships and is equally impressive off the bike, with a talent for languages and even unicycling. Joining her is Germany’s Alina Beck, an 18-year-old Olympian and BMX star who secured third at the 2023 Pump Track Worlds. Adding further excitement is Aiko Gommers from Belgium, the 2019 World Champion whose racing style and competitive edge make her a formidable presence on the track.
Perhaps the most decorated of all, Christa von Niederhäusern, a three-time World Champion from Switzerland, returns to the lineup, bringing both experience and grit to the competition. These riders, along with an array of national champions and rising stars, will no doubt deliver thrilling performances in a competition that continues to set new standards for the global pump track community.