"Do you dare to FAIL?"

That’s the question top BMX riders Levi Weidmann and Tom van den Boomgaard ask when teaching cycling skills in primary schools across Brabant. This initiative is part of the community programme linked to the European BMX Freestyle Championships, taking place from 3-5 October at Area 51 on Strijp-S in Eindhoven.

Embracing failure

Supported by the BrabantSport Fund and the Municipality of Eindhoven, the programme focuses on three key skills: physical, mental, and social. This spring, Year 6 and 7 pupils from eight different schools in North Brabant will learn to improve their cycling, balancing, and jumping skills. In September, the focus shifts to embracing failure—for both children and their parents. During the Championships in October, the young participants will showcase their BMX skills among the pros.

Courage and resilience at the heart of urban sports

“BMX Freestyle is all about trying, falling, and getting back up again,” says Tom. “You learn by doing.” Levi adds, “Even when it’s mentally tough, this sport teaches you to keep going.”

Maes van Lanschot, Eindhoven’s Councillor for Sport, highlights the programme’s importance: “Urban sports are a strategic focus for Eindhoven, with Area 51 as a key venue. Hosting the European BMX Freestyle Championships is a fantastic opportunity for our city. Through this community programme, we’re involving 450 children, helping them develop BMX skills while also discovering that a little resilience and courage can take you a long way!”

The ‘learning pit’ as a life lesson

The European BMX Freestyle Championships have chosen the ‘learning pit’ as their central theme. This concept is a metaphor for deep learning—where struggling and perseverance are essential. Thirza Brinkhoff of the BrabantSport Fund stresses the importance of this message: “Children today are less willing or able to fail. By using the platform of the European BMX Freestyle Championships, we are raising awareness of the learning pit and strengthening the mental resilience of children in Brabant.”

Not just for kids—parents take on the challenge too!

It’s not only children who will learn to fall and get back up; parents will also be encouraged to let go. In September, the focus will be on mental resilience, urging parents to allow their children to take more risks. Overprotective ‘helicopter’ and ‘curling’ parents will discover why failure is essential for growth. While the children push their limits on the ramps at Area 51, their parents will navigate their own learning pit.

About the European BMX Freestyle Championships | Ticket registration is now live!

The 2025 European BMX Freestyle Championships will take place from 3-5 October at Area 51 on Strijp-S in Eindhoven. This marks the first time the Netherlands is hosting this event. The Championships will feature both Parkand Flatland disciplines, with men and women competing for European titles. Fans can now register for early-access tickets at ekbmxfreestyle.nl.

Partners

The community programme is made possible thanks to Area 51, the BrabantSport Fund, the Municipality of Eindhoven, and Libéma Profcycling, and is being carried out by More2Win.