What happens if a rider crashes or goes off the track?
I · Intermediate · The race · 2 of 4A rider who falls must first get clear of the track. To be scored they must then complete the full lap without help. A rider who leaves the track must come back at the nearest safe point without improving their position, cutting the course or missing an obstacle. Failing that, they can be relegated.
How it works
- After a fall: the rider's "first responsibility shall be to remove himself and his bicycle from the track".
- To be scored: the rider "must complete the full distance of the track as defined for their category without assistance".
- Otherwise: they may be scored as did not finish.
- A rider who stays down: may be moved only by first aid attendants or with a doctor's permission.
- Re-entering: "at the nearest safe point without improving his/her position".
- Not allowed: interfering with another rider, cutting the track to gain an advantage or missing any obstacle.
- The penalty: the commissaires' panel may relegate the rider.
- Flags: green means the track is clear. Yellow means it is obstructed and riders are held at the gate. Red means riders on the track must stop at once.
- A re-run: only if the president of the panel finds the heat was spoiled by interference in the start, by a spectator, by an animal or by another outside agency.
The glossary has the invalid result marks entry and BMX racing.
Tricky cases
A rider crashes, picks the bike up and rides to the finish. Do they get a result?
Yes. They are scored in the place they finish, if they complete the full distance unaided.
A rider is bumped off the track and rejoins further along, past a jump. Is that allowed?
No. The rider must not miss any obstacle, whatever the reason for leaving the track.
Can a parent run on to help a young rider up?
No, not if the rider is to be scored. The full distance must be completed without assistance.
Two riders collide and both fall. Is the heat run again?
No. A re-run is only for interference in the start procedure or from an outside agency.
Why the rule exists
A rider lying on a blind landing is a danger to the seven behind and to the next heat. The first duty is therefore to clear the track, and only then to finish. The re-entry rule stops a trip across the grass from becoming a short cut.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| UCI regulations | As above | UCI 6.1.048 to 6.1.050; UCI 6.1.055 |
| A helmet that comes off | The rider is treated as having abandoned the heat | UCI 6.1.081 |
| The final | Not valid unless at least two riders finish | UCI 6.1.038 |
From the rule book
Union Cycliste Internationale, Cycling Regulations, Part 6: BMX Racing (version of 1 January 2026), articles 6.1.048 to 6.1.050 and 6.1.055. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: UCI Cycling Regulations, Part 6 (PDF).