The final round of the 2025 UCI BMX Freestyle World Cup season was held over three days from November 28 to 30, 2025, in Sakai Town, Ibaraki Prefecture. In the Women’s Park division, Miharu Ozawa secured her first victory, while Rimu Nakamura finished 6th in the event, earning 3rd place in the overall series rankings. In the Flatland division, where Japan boasts world-leading strength, Yu Katagiri and Karin Hommura each claimed victory.

Park: Men’s Division

A total of 38 riders competed in this event, with three members of the Japanese team advancing to the semi-finals (top 24). Rimu Nakamura, who qualified in 2nd, showcased his signature stable riding style to take 1st place in the semi-finals, moving into the final as the top seed. Kaede Ozawa, despite a fall in his first run, made a brilliant recovery in his second to advance to the final (top 12) for the first time. Shoa Matsumoto also reached the semi-finals for the first time, demonstrating steady growth.

The final was a high-level battle as riders from around the world successfully landed more difficult tricks than in the semi-finals. Nakamura attacked aggressively with his big tricks but was in 5th place after the first run. In his second run, he was unable to carry enough speed through his opening trick, finishing in 6th place overall.

Kaede Ozawa, in his first final appearance, delivered a confident performance to finish 8th. Despite the event result, Nakamura’s consistent podium finishes throughout the season earned him 3rd place in the overall series rankings, proving the steady presence of Japanese men’s park riders on the world stage.

Park: Women’s Division

Miharu Ozawa, who narrowly missed the podium with a 4th-place finish at the recent World Championships, dominated this event from the qualifiers, advancing in 1st place with a score far ahead of the competition.

In the final, she executed her routine perfectly in the first run, taking the provisional lead with a high-completion run. No other rider could surpass her score, and she held onto the top spot to claim her first-ever World Cup victory.

Mio Yoshida took 2nd place by successfully landing high-difficulty combinations like the “360 Turndown Barspin,” securing a 1-2 finish for Japan. Natalya Diehm (Australia), the Paris Olympics bronze medalist, finished 3rd. With Miharu Ozawa also securing 1st place in the annual series rankings, expectations are high for her performance next season.

Comment from Winner Miharu Ozawa

“I am so happy to close out the season with a victory. Competing in my home country, the support from the crowd gave me so much power. I’m glad I could show everyone the results of my practice. I want to keep working hard next year as well. Lastly, I want to thank everyone who supports me. Thank you very much!”

Flatland: Men’s Division

Yu Katagiri, who was crowned World Champion for the first time earlier this month, maintained his momentum by leading the qualifiers and semi-finals with composed riding. In the final, he was the last rider to go, with his brother Ryo Katagiri holding the provisional 1st place. Despite the pressure of the 3-minute run, Yu delivered high-difficulty tricks with precision to take the win. Meanwhile, Yu Shoji, who finished 4th in this event, secured the overall series title thanks to his two wins during the season.

Comment from Winner Yu Katagiri

“Since the final event of the year was in Japan, I really wanted to win and end the season on a high note. The floor surface was the best of the World Cup series, so it felt great to ride. Personally, I had two mistakes, but I’m very happy that my aggressive riding—rather than a safe routine—earned a high score of 93 points.”

Flatland: Women’s Division

The women’s flatland division featured a world-class Japanese lineup, including World Champion Misui Todaka, as well as medalists Karin Hommura and Soka Yoshimura. It was a high-level battle fitting for a final on home soil.

Karin Motomura led the qualifiers ahead of Todaka. In the final, Motomura maintained her momentum, executing high-difficulty tricks with precise control to claim the World Cup victory. Ayuna Miyajima (last year’s World Champion) took 2nd, and Nina Suzuki (last year’s series champion) took 3rd.

While Todaka finished 4th after failing to land her routine perfectly, the depth of talent in the Japanese women’s field was once again clearly demonstrated.

Comment from Winner Karin Motomura

“I went into this final event in my home country with a lot of determination. In the midst of so much cheering, I had some small mistakes, but I was able to calm down and enjoy the ride. I’m most happy about overcoming the pressure to win! I am truly grateful to my father, who supports me by my side, and to everyone who cheered for me.”

Event Results

Park: Men
1. Jude JONES (GBR) – 94.74 pts
2. Jordan CLARK (GBR) – 93.24 pts
3. Nick BRUCE (USA) – 91.4 pts
4. Rimu NAKAMURA (JPN) – 90.82 pts
5. Kaede OZAWA (JPN) – 84.04 pts

Park: Women
1. Miharu OZAWA (JPN) – 95.5 pts
2. Mio YOSHIDA (JPN) – 91.4 pts
3. Natalya DIEHM (AUS) – 86.8 pts

Flatland: Men
1. Yu KATAGIRI (JPN) – 93 pts
2. Ryo KATAGIRI (JPN) – 88.33 pts
3. Ren OSHIMA (JPN) – 84 pts

Flatland: Women
1. Karin MOTOMURA (JPN) – 86.33 pts
2. Ayuna MIYAJIMA (JPN) – 73 pts
3. Nina SUZUKI (JPN) – 72.66 pts