Malta’s BMX athletes delivered an outstanding performance at the 29th edition of FISE (Festival International des Sports Extrêmes) in Montpellier, France, competing against some of the world’s leading riders in one of the most prestigious events on the international urban sports calendar.

Representing Malta in the BMX Street discipline, Gianni Zahra secured an impressive 13th-place finish among a highly competitive field of 32 riders, while Aaron Grixti placed 17th overall. Both athletes demonstrated exceptional skill, determination and commitment throughout the competition, proudly flying the Maltese flag on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

Adding to an already successful campaign, Zahra also achieved a joint second-place finish in the BMX Bunny Hop competition, highlighting his versatility and technical ability across multiple BMX disciplines.

The trip extended beyond competition, providing valuable opportunities for development and progression. Following FISE, the riders visited several renowned BMX parks across the region, where they continued training, exchanged knowledge with international athletes and further refined their skills.

The event also proved beneficial from a strategic perspective, offering important networking opportunities for the Maltese BMX delegation. Discussions with key figures within the international BMX community focused on potential collaborations and opportunities to attract more athletes and events to Malta, contributing to the continued growth of the local BMX scene.

Participation at FISE 2026 was not only a significant competitive achievement but also an invaluable learning experience. Immersed among some of the world’s top BMX athletes, the riders gained first-hand insight into the latest developments within the sport, including competition formats, event organisation, evolving UCI frameworks and international BMX culture.

For both Zahra and Grixti, representing Malta at such a prestigious international event was a dream realised. Their performances, professionalism and passion once again demonstrated that Maltese BMX continues to make its mark on the international stage and has a promising future ahead.