BMX race jerseys: long sleeves, adult and youth

What is a BMX race jersey for?

The BMX race jersey protects the skin on your arms when you slide on packed dirt, gets rid of heat during short, very intense efforts and leaves your shoulders free from the start gate to the berms. Loose, with no back pockets or tight-fitting fabric, it is worn over a back protector or a body armour vest, the opposite of a road jersey designed for aerodynamics.

What the rules require of the jersey

The UCI regulations for BMX racing, which govern international events, set out what the jersey must be:

• long sleeves that extend down to the wrists;
• a model of a type sold for BMX racing, motocross or downhill mountain biking, or custom-made to the same requirements; road-style jerseys, skinsuits and one-piece suits are not permitted;
• no zips, except a very short one at the collar, less than 10 cm long;
• a jersey that is close-fitting around the waist or tucked into the pants before the start.

National federations and clubs may add their own requirements, so check them before an event. The rules for leg wear are detailed on the BMX race pants page.

Choosing the size of a youth or adult BMX jersey

Youth sizes are often marked YS, YM or YL. Measure the chest and the arm length, then refer to the manufacturer's size chart. In riding position, arms stretched out towards the handlebar, the sleeves should cover the wrists and the back should not ride up. With upper-body protection, take the size that covers it without pulling at the shoulders.

Jersey or T-shirt for the park and the pump track?

In freestyle, dirt or on a pump track, no clothing is imposed and many riders ride in a T-shirt in their brand's colours. This T-shirt is not accepted in racing, as it lacks long sleeves.

Completing the rider's kit

Protect your hands with full-finger BMX gloves, your head with a full face BMX helmet and your eyes with goggles. For the trails, see mountain bike jerseys.

BMX jersey brands

Chase, a BMX race brand created by former French champion Christophe Lévêque, sponsors Olympic champion Connor Fields: its youth jerseys feature the colours of its official team.

Radio Bike, a Cologne brand that designs race and freestyle BMX bikes, offers its Logo T-shirt here.

Fly Racing, an American motocross brand, designs its Rayce jersey for BMX and mountain biking: stretch fabric, airy mesh under the arms and a cut specific to young riders.

Inspyre, a French BMX race brand from the Monts du Lyonnais, develops its frames with Olympic rider Jérémy Rencurel; its Bias and Rencurel jerseys come in adult and youth sizes.

Pride Racing, founded by two former French riders, is known for its carbon BMX race forks; its Pumptrack T-shirt is aimed at sessions away from racing.

Kenny, a French off-road clothing maker and partner of the Enduropale du Touquet, offers the Track Raw jersey, from its motocross range.

BMX race jerseys on sale

Team jerseys change design from one season to the next: older colours join BMX clearance, the latest arrivals new arrivals. Black Friday is a chance to kit out a young rider before the new season.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a BMX jersey and a road jersey?

A road jersey is close-fitting, zipped and has pockets in the back. A BMX jersey is loose, long-sleeved, with no pockets or long zip, and goes over body armour.

Can you race BMX in a T-shirt?

Not in competition: under UCI rules, the jersey must have long sleeves down to the wrists, whatever the weather. For training, check with your club.

Can you customise a BMX jersey?

Yes: under UCI rules, a custom-made jersey is permitted if it meets the requirements, and every rider may have their surname printed across the shoulders on the back. A number on the back is reserved for Elite riders holding a UCI International Elite Number or a world number from 1 to 8.

Which jersey for a child starting BMX?

A long-sleeved BMX or motocross jersey in the right size, light and loose enough to go over protection, is enough for the first sessions. A club jersey can come later, once they start racing.

Do you need protection under the jersey?

UCI rules do not require it for the upper body, but they strongly recommend back, elbow, knee and shoulder protectors made of rigid materials, which limit the consequences of a fall. It is worn under the jersey: choose the jersey loose enough to cover it.