Riders showcase skills at fifth edition of Park Lines BMX Tournament
SkyLab Skatepark witnessed adrenaline-fueled battles as BMX riders from across South Africa competed for national titles and bragging rights.
The vibrant BMX community gathered at SkyLab Skatepark in Bryanston on June 7 for the fifth annual Park Lines BMX Tournament, South Africa’s premier BMX freestyle competition, and the official 2025 South African Championships.
Sanctioned by Cycling South Africa and Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and presented by LW Mag and Dragon Energy, in partnership with Garmin, Balwin Properties, Insta360, Fox Racing, and Mongoose, the event was a celebration of skill, progression, and community spirit.
The competition drew riders from across the country, with amateurs and pros competing for rankings, prizes, and bragging rights.
The amateur division, the largest of the day, saw fresh faces and seasoned riders alike, contributing to the sport’s local development.
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Stefan Heynes, from Cape Town, landed a backflip on the box jump, his first in competition, while Sinjin Caromba, new to BMX Freestyle but experienced in BMX Racing, wowed spectators with seamless transfers and big tricks, earning him second place.
@caxtonjoburgnorth Top South African riders roll for the 2025 BMX Freestyle South African Championships at the Park Lines BMX Tournament held at SkyLab Skatepark in Bryanston. #BMX #Skylab #Bmx
♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North – Caxton Joburg North
Sean Fulton’s versatile runs on nearly every obstacle, earned him the top spot in the amateurs, and a promotion to the pro division next year.
The pro men’s final was a showcase of technical prowess and style. Nkosinathi Nkosi’s flowing, stylish run secured him third place, while Morgan O’Kennedy’s aggressive use of the full park earned him second.
Vincent Leygonie successfully defended his title, culminating in a dramatic final run that earned him the highest scores of the day. “I went all-in for this run, landing tricks on every obstacle,” Leygonie said after his victory, cementing his status as South Africa’s top BMX freestyle athlete.
Meanwhile, Jenna Byrnes continued her dominance in the pro women’s division, impressing judges with her technical progression, including a backflip, turndown, 360, and barspin, to secure her title once again. Byrnes remains the only female in South Africa to land a backflip in competition, and her performance showcased her ongoing growth in the sport.
The event concluded with the Insta360 Best Trick Competition, where Malcolm Peters and Vincent Leygonie battled for bragging rights.
Leygonie’s attempt at a cashroll over the big box was a close call, but Peters sealed the deal with a backflip double tailwhip – landing the first of its kind in competition, and claiming the Best Trick Award, along with an Insta360 X5 360º action camera.
Park Lines organiser Ryan van der Spuy expressed pride in the event’s growth and its impact on the sport. “This was the fifth edition of the Park Lines BMX Tournament and I’m extremely proud of what we have been able to accomplish.
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“Over the years, we’ve created a platform for local riders to showcase their skills, established the official South African Championships, crowned champions, produced South Africa’s first Olympian in this discipline, and now added our very own BMX-focused park, SkyLab Skatepark, as a training facility.”
Van der Spuy highlighted the spirit of camaraderie and development among riders, emphasising the event’s role in fostering progression within South Africa’s BMX scene. “This year’s standout factors were seeing new riders compete and witnessing the camaraderie between the riders and the community. This adds to the encouragement of growth and progress in BMX freestyle in South Africa. A core focus of what Park Lines is about.”
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