How long is a BMX track, and how high is the start hill?
Officials' detail · The race · 1 of 3A BMX track is a closed loop of 300 to 450 metres with at least three turns. It must be at least 10 metres wide at the start and never narrower than 5 metres. The start hill must stand at least 1.5 metres above the first straight, and the first straight must be at least 40 metres long.
How it works
- Length: "not less than 300 metres nor greater than 450 metres", measured along the centre line.
- Width: at least 10 metres at the start and at least 5 metres everywhere.
- The start hill: at least 1.5 metres above the first straight, and preferably 2.5. The slope down from the gate must be at least 12 metres long.
- For younger riders: hills used for the Challenge categories should not be more than 6 metres high, and the ramp should not be steeper than 20 degrees.
- The gate: at least 7.3 metres wide and at least 50 centimetres high, with positions 1 to 8 marked. Position 1 is on the inside of the first turn.
- The first straight: at least 40 metres.
- Turns: at least three, each at least 5 metres wide. The first must be banked and at least 6 metres wide.
- Obstacles: built with the safety of all riders in mind. On the first straight they must be at least 10 metres apart.
- Alternate sections: a track may have harder sections used only by the Championship categories.
- The fence: right round the track and no closer than 2 metres to it.
The glossary has the berm, the jump and BMX racing.
Tricky cases
Is every BMX track the same?
No. The rules set minimums and ranges. Layout, jumps and the direction of the first turn are the designer's choice.
Do all riders use the same jumps?
No, not always. A track may have alternate sections with harder obstacles for the Championship categories only.
Is the Olympic start hill 8 metres high?
It depends on a document outside our sources. The annex read here gives a minimum height and says top-level hills follow UCI designs. The figure is not in the text read.
Can the first turn go to the right?
Yes. The first turn may go in either direction.
Why the rule exists
Eight riders arrive at the first turn together, so the rules give the start its widest part and the first straight enough length for the field to string out. The fence set back from the track gives a rider who leaves it room to stop.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| All UCI calendar events | The minimums above | UCI Part 6, Annex 5 |
| World championships and World Cups | Start hill to UCI designs, and hard surfaces on turns and the finish area | UCI Part 6, Annex 5 (table) |
| Beginner tracks | Lower and less steep start hills are strongly recommended | UCI Part 6, Annex 5, section 2 |
From the rule book
Union Cycliste Internationale, Cycling Regulations, Part 6: BMX Racing (version of 1 January 2026), Annex 5 (sections 1 to 9). Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: UCI Cycling Regulations, Part 6 (PDF).