How does a BMX race meeting work?

The 2026 BMX racing regulations describe three phases at a BMX race meeting: motos, then qualifiers (eighths, quarters, semi-finals and so on), then the final. Events may use the UCI-BMX scoring and transfer system.

• Motos: when a category has more than one heat, riders are mixed on a random or mathematical progression basis. Heats are made with the maximum number of riders in each, and the number of riders in any two heats differs by no more than 1. For example, 23 riders race in three heats (two of 8 riders and one of 7).
• Qualifiers: one allowed method seeds the top riders on accumulated points after the motos into the first qualifier round, with the top 4 riders in each qualifier transferring to the next qualifier round or the final. Awards and prizes are given according to placing in the final.
• Short on time: if time must be cut (for example through inclement weather), the Race Director can reduce the number of motos each rider races, or cut the qualifiers and final so the rider with the least points after the last moto wins.
• Participation classes: Novice, Sprocket Rocket and Mini Wheeler classes are not scored or timed.