What is Unicon?

Join us this summer for the 21st Unicycling World Convention and Championships! Following memorable Unicons in Ansan, South Korea and Grenoble, France, competitive unicyclists from around the globe will gather in the United States. Over 1,200 athletes are expected to compete and take part in twelve full days of convention activities and social events.  

Unicyclists will compete in six exciting disciplines:

• Freestyle – In this artistic competition, individuals, pairs, or groups of riders perform to music, with costumes and props. Athleticism combines with style and grace in these original and memorable performances. Other than the group competition (at Bemidji State University), you can catch the freestyle competitions at Bemidji High School.

• Team Sports – Hockey and basketball are fast-moving and action-packed. The addition of unicycles to these popular sports makes both teamwork and top-level riding skills critical to playing a great game. Join us in the air-conditioned Sanford Center for these tournament-style competitions.

• Track – Bemidji High School’s track will host multiple track races, including 100m, 400m, and 800m, as well as shorter races specific to unicycling – one-foot riding, “wheel walk,” and coasting, among others. You’ll be amazed at the speed and control of these competitors.

• Urban – Sanford Center will be our host for all things urban. Bring your enthusiasm for these competitions – flatland, trials, jumps, and street. In each of these events, you will witness tricks, jumps, and riding that exceed what seems possible. These risk-taking athletes have honed their skills over years of practice, and you won’t be disappointed.

• Road Racing – Long distances, roads, paths, and large wheels combine to make road racing competitions fast-paced and interesting to watch. These races will take advantage of what Bemidji has to offer! The criterium, characterized by its tight turns and agility elements, such as 180 degree turns and quick accelerations, will be staged at Sanford Center. The Sanford Center will also mark the starting point of the 10k and the Loop-the-Lake races.

• Mountain Unicycling (MUni) – These off-road races are known for varying and often unpredictable terrain. Riders compete against each other and the clock in three types of races – uphill, downhill, and cross country (at Buena Vista Ski Area and Giants Ridge Recreation Center). You won’t want to miss the spectator-friendly cyclocross race, as competitors race to complete laps over a course strewn with man-made obstacles -- all before time runs out.

All competitions are open to the public! Spectators are encouraged and welcome to attend at no cost, other than a small entry fee for certain final competitions. Please visit the Schedule for more information and up-to-date locations. For more information on each of the competitive disciplines, click here. On behalf of Unicon 21 organizers and the city of Bemidji, we hope to see you this summer!