Four CL youth to compete in BMX Championships

Four talented young athletes from Canyon Lake are set to represent the United States at the 2024 UCI BMX Racing World Championships in Rock Hill, South Carolina May 10-18. This prestigious event, organized by the Union Cycliste Internationale, attracts cyclists worldwide in a celebration of competitive sport and cycling as a fun and healthy activity.

The Canyon Lake competitors, Jayson Stubbs, 9, Wyatt Williams, 11, Madison Thompson, 12, and Tyler Wagoner, 14, each secured their spots through distinct paths across three different qualifying races held earlier this year.

Madison Thompson competes prior to the 2024 UCI BMX Racing World Championships in Rock Hill, South Carolina May 10-18. Photo by Nico Van Dartel Photography

Madison is notably returning to defend her World 2 plate, which she won in the 2023 competition. She will compete in the 12 Class U race at worlds: 13-16 Girl Cruiser, 13 Girl class Qualifying for 2024 worlds. She won World 6 in 2022 and World 2 in 2023 in 12 and under girl cruiser.

“You can find me doing up hill sprints on my street or at the pump track,” Madison said. “I love trading jerseys with other countries when racing is over. So Cal is super competitive.”

Jayson will race 10 Challenge Boys Qualified in Lexington. Jayson attended worlds one other time in 2023.

“I work sprints at Eastport launch ramp, on our cul-de-sac and the pump track,” Jayson said. “I am looking forward to the jersey exchange at Worlds.”

Jayson Stubbs, Tyler Wagoner and Wyatt Williams spend practice time at the Canyon Lake Pump Track at Vacation Park in preparation for the 2024 UCI BMX Racing World Championships in Rock Hill, South Carolina May 10-18. Photo by Michelle Stubbs

Wyatt will race Class U and 12 Challenge Qualifying for 2024 Worlds.

“I do sprints on Longhorn Drive on the hill by the Equestrian Center and I work on my riding skills at the pump track,” Wyatt said. “Outside of racing, I like hanging out with friends and meeting other racers from around the world.”

Tyler will be competing in the 15 boys category.

“I practice in my street and in the garage,” he said. “My other favorite things to do are hanging with my friends and going swimming in the river.”

Training for such a high-level competition involves intense preparation. The young athletes utilize the streets of Canyon Lake to work on their sprints and make frequent visits to the local pump track for rigorous sessions.

Beyond their neighborhood, they engage in track work at several well-known local venues, including Grand Prix BMX in Perris and tracks in San Diego, Apple Valley, Chula Vista, and Bellflower.

While the focus is firmly on the upcoming world championships, these young competitors are also looking forward to the less competitive aspects of their journey.

“They’re excited about making memories, swimming in local rivers, spending time with family, and meeting new friends from other countries to trade jerseys,” a parent of one of the competitors said.