2025 South African BMX freestyle champs crowned
In the Pro Men’s category, Vincent Leygonie reclaimed his national title with a standout final run, packed with technical mastery and unmatched use of the park’s features.
The fifth edition of the Park Lines BMX Tournament, officially recognised as the 2025 BMX Freestyle South African Championships, delivered an action-packed showcase of talent, adrenaline and progression over the weekend of June 7.
Presented by LW Mag and Dragon Energy in association with Garmin, Balwin Properties, Insta360, Fox Racing, and Mongoose, the event was sanctioned by Cycling South Africa and the UCI, underscoring its national and international importance.
This year’s tournament marked a new chapter in South African BMX Freestyle with the debut of the SkyLab Skatepark at Joxi-X Adventure Park in Bryanston, Johannesburg — a state-of-the-art facility designed specifically to support the growth of the sport.
ALSO READ: Top BMX riders to compete in 2025 South African freestyle championships
In the Pro Men’s category, Vincent Leygonie reclaimed his national title with a standout final run, packed with technical mastery and unmatched use of the park’s features.
After a shaky first run, Leygonie delivered a flawless performance that included a Backflip Tuck No-Hander, Truck Driver to X-Up, Tailwhip, reverse 360, and a perfectly executed Flair — securing the highest score of the day and the 2025 SA Championship title.
In the Pro Women’s division, Jenna Byrnes defended her title as the only female competitor and the only South African woman to land a Backflip in competition.
Her winning run included a Backflip, 360, Barspin, and Turndown, demonstrating her continued dominance and progression in the sport.
Rising stars shine in the amateur division
ALSO READ: Kempton Park BMX Club hosts series tournament
The amateur division showcased South Africa’s up-and-coming talent, with Sean Fulton rising to the top. His run, which featured a Truck Driver, 360 over the spine, and a variety of transfers and stylish tricks, earned him first place and promotion to the Pro Division in 2026.
Sinjin Caromba, new to BMX Freestyle but with a background in racing, impressed with fast, flowing lines and creative transfers, claiming second. Stefan Heynes took third with a clean run that included landing his first Backflip in competition — a trick he had only learned two days prior.
The Amateur champion won a new Mongoose BMX, while other podium finishers received gear from Fox Racing.
Fifteen riders battled it out for a place in the Pro finals, where eight qualified to compete for valuable UCI points, SA rankings, a R36 500 prize purse, and Garmin Instinct 3 Smartwatches.
Morgan O’Kennedy claimed second place with a powerful first run, showcasing a Flair, Tailwhip, Tuck No-Hander transfer, and technical combos.
ALSO READ: BMX riders finish off the Slayer Grandslam final leg
Nkosinathi Nkosi took third with a high-energy run that included a 360 Turndown, Fakie to 360 Cab, and seamless flow across the park.
Francois Bodenstein and Malcolm Peters also impressed, with Peters landing a massive Backflip Double Tailwhip in the Insta360 Best Trick Contest to take home the new X5 360º action camera prize.
A platform for growth
Tournament organiser Ryan van der Spuy expressed pride in the event’s continued growth.
“Over the years, we’ve created a platform for local riders to shine, crowned national champions, produced South Africa’s first BMX Freestyle Olympian, and now opened our very own dedicated park — the SkyLab Skatepark,” said Van der Spuy.
He highlighted the standout aspect of this year’s tournament as the emergence of new talent and the spirit of community and camaraderie.
“Seeing new riders step up and the way the BMX community supports each other is exactly what Park Lines is about. It’s about progression, growth, and building something lasting for South African BMX.”
