‘Safety must come first’: Australian team withdraws from world champs
AusCycling has officially withdrawn its world championship team - which included both men’s and women’s BMX freestyle and urban cycling athletes - from the upcoming UCI Urban Cycling World Championships in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The withdrawal follows updated travel advice from the Australian government, which explicitly warns the public to avoid King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh due to recent security incidents.
Australian athletes won’t get the chance to go to world championships. Tim de Waele
The advice also cautioned about rapidly changing security conditions, potential airspace closures, and subsequent flight cancellations.
“The decision follows consultation with athletes, staff and the selection panel, with the athletes fully informed and supportive of the decision,” an AusCycling statement read.
“It reflects the escalating regional conflict, the loss of life and the Australian Government’s updated Smartraveller advice.”
Since the decision was made in “consultation with athletes”, no official roster was ever announced for the November event.
AusCycling, alongside several other nations, had previously advocated for the 2026 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships to be relocated.
Despite mounting pressure, the event is currently scheduled to proceed from November 3-7, with organisers continuing to monitor the conflict.
“In light of these developments, AusCycling cannot justify exposing our athletes and staff to these risks,” the statement continued.
“We have made the decision not to attend. This decision is based on our duty of care to our athletes and staff and is not one we have taken lightly.
“While this is a disappointing outcome for our athletes, their safety must come first.”
Despite missing a key competition in the lead-up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the cycling governing body noted that the team will continue to focus on preparing their athletes for future events.