The Swatch Battle of Hastings 2025, held from September 4 to 7 at Source Park in Hastings, UK, marked a significant milestone in BMX history. For the first time ever, the event featured the Swatch Flatland Battle, a groundbreaking addition that showcased the evolution of BMX freestyle. This collaboration between Swatch, Red Bull, and BMX legend Matthias Dandois brought together top athletes to push the boundaries of the sport.
The Swatch Flatland Battle took place in the iconic Henry Ward Hall, a 150-year-old church, adding a unique atmosphere to the competition. The format was innovative, with riders competing in battles judged by the audience’s cheers, measured by a decibel meter. Matthias Dandois, a Swatch Proteam athlete and nine-time world champion, hosted the event, bringing his expertise and charisma to the stage.
The competition featured four of Europe’s top flatland riders: Matthias Dandois (France), Alex Jumelin (France), Lee Musselwhite (UK), and Varo Hernández (Spain). In an exciting turn of events, Varo Hernández emerged as the winner, defeating Matthias Dandois in the final. Hernández impressed both judges and the audience with his technical prowess and captivating style.
Beyond the flatland competition, the Swatch Battle of Hastings 2025 included various other events, such as the Swatch Beach Jam and the Monster Energy Park Session, bringing together BMX enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate the sport.
This collaboration between Swatch, Red Bull, and Matthias Dandois not only elevated the profile of flatland BMX but also demonstrated the power of partnerships in pushing the boundaries of action sports. The Swatch Flatland Battle at the Swatch Battle of Hastings 2025 will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal moment in the history of BMX freestyle.
