USA BMX Pro Opener Recap: Who Took the Top Spots?

The 2025 USA BMX Pro Series launched in spectacular fashion, bringing top riders from around the world to Rock Hill, South Carolina. Recognized as one of the premier BMX facilities globally, the Rock Hill BMX Supercross Track provides the perfect stage to showcase speed, skill, and determination while delivering an electrifying experience for the crowd.

Day one of the three-day event capitalized on the building anticipation, putting champions in the spotlight. Defending USA BMX National No.1 Men’s Pro, Cam Wood, started his season strong with a Pro Opener victory. He was joined in the winner’s circle by Saya Sakakibara, Jeff Upshaw, Alexis Alden, and Chris Felker—all looking to maintain their momentum while their competitors gear up for a shot at glory.

DAY 1 PRO RESULTS

Vet Pro    Total Riders =18   

1. JEFF (BIG JEFF) UPSHAW, ZERONINE, NAMPA, ID, United States of America

2. ALAN HUDSON, CYCLE THERAPY RACING, OASSO, OK, United States of America

3. BARRY (BAMA SLAMMA) NOBLES, CHASE, FLY, BRGSTORE, ODI, STERRETT, AL, United States of America

4. EMILIO FALLA, MURRIETA, CA, Ecuador

5. KJ (KJ) ROMERO, MAD CYCLES RACING, ROCK HILL, SC, United States of America 

6. RENATO REZENDE, ALLOW WRECKING CREW/STAY STRONG, POCOS DE CALDAS, MG, Brazill

7. CHRISTOPHER MIRELES, PROPHECY AMERICA, ZAPOPAN, JAL, Mexico 

8. TYLER SMITH, CORSA RACEWEAR, CLEARWATER, FL, United States of America

ABA Futures Women    Total Riders = 27    

1. ALEXIS (AA) ALDEN, ALBE'S-SYNDYT-BOX, PEACHTREE CITY, GA, United States of America

2. DERIN  MERTEN, RACE INC., BOX, SEVEN, 6D, ODI, TEMPE, AZ, United States of America

3. SADIE HERRERA, FULLTILT/RADIO, ACWORTH, GA, United States of America

4. PRESLIE (THE PISTON) GOULD, FACTORY ANSWER, HENDERSON, NV, United States of America

5. KATE (V8) SIFFORD, BIOLAB-SYNDYT, WADDELL, AZ, United States of America

6. AVERY (THE VOICE) JONES, J & R BICYCLES/SPEEDCO/AVIAN, CAPE CORAL, FL, United States of America

7. VICTORIA (VIC) DUBE, ST-JEAN, QC, Canada

8. RILEY (MAD RABBIT) JORDAN, FIRST COAST NUTRITION, MIDDLEBURG, FL, United States of America

ABA Futures Men    Total Riders = 39  

1. CHRIS FELKER, FACTORY RIFT/TANGENT, ROCK HILL, SC, United States of America

2. DEEGAN (DOWNTOWN) BROWN, SUPERCROSS BMX, SAN JOSE, CA, United States of America

3. AUSTIN CORNBILL, DANGERBOY, CAMPBELL RIVER, BC, Canada

4. ALEXIS RHEAUME, QUEBEC, QC, Canada

5. GAIGE (THE RAGE) GOMOLICKE, SUPERCROSS BMX, UKIAH, CA, United States of America

6. ZAKARY KAISER, FACTORY SYNDYT/LSG, GREELY, ON, Canada

7. LUCAS ZHOU, ALBE'S-SYNDYT-BOX, SURREY, BC, Canada

8. MARSHALL (MAJOR) GEHRKE, ANTIOCH, IL, United States of America

Women Pro    Total Riders = 17   

1. SAYA SAKAKIBARA, HELENSBURGH, NSW, Australia

2. JACY MOORE, FLY CHASE BRGSTORE, PORT ORCHARD, WA, United States of America

3. MOLLY SIMPSON, DAYLIGHT, RED DEER COUNTY, AB, Canada

4. PAYTON (P-NUT) RIDENOUR, ME, TULSA, OK, United States of America

5. MCKENZIE GAYHEART, FORT WHITE, FL, United States of America

6. SIENNA PAL, NO LOGO/REVOLUTION FACTORY TEAM, FORRESTERS, NSW, Australia

7. LEXIS (LIGHTNING) COLBY, SURPRISE, AZ, United States of America

8. CARLY KANE, GUILFORD, IN, United States of America

Men Pro    Total Riders = 43   

1. CAMERON (COWBOY) WOOD, PHOENIX, AZ, United States of America

2. EDDY (EDDY C...) CLERTE, ZERONINE, BIGANOS, France

3. ZACHARY (PINK SHOES) VANKAMMEN, DAYLIGHT/HERO BIKE PARTS, LAKE ELSINORE, CA, United States of America

4. JACK DAVIS, LARGO, FL, Australia

5. JOSHUA (JUMPIN JOSH) JOLLY, TIME BMX, BOX BMX, CARDIGAN, VIC, Australia

6. DREW POLK, FACTORY SYNDYT/LSG, AVON, IN, United States of America

7. KAMREN LARSEN, ANSWER BMX, BAKERSFIELD, CA, United States of America

8. JORIS DAUDET, CHASE, BRGSTORE, FLY, TIOGA, CORONA, CA, France

The Pro Opener kicked off the excitement of a new season with high-energy racing right from the start, featuring a fresh format designed to make every lap count. With 48 riders in the Men’s Pro category, the three-round format demanded that the best showcase their talent. Frenchman Eddy Clerte set the bar high, laying down a lap time that remained formidable across multiple rounds, making him the rider to beat. Clerte was joined by plenty of heavy hitters, but one rising star made his Pro debut unforgettable, earning a spot in the Men’s Pro main event. BMX Phenom Josh Jolly brought his Australian speed to Rock Hill, making bold moves through the early rounds and even winning his semi-main ahead of the final race of the day. Finishing fifth overall, Jolly made his presence known both at the gate and in the grandstands.

Fresh off the media tour that comes with winning an Olympic gold medal, Saya Sakakibara returned to the track in dominant fashion, not dropping a single lap all day. She maintained that momentum in the final, leading Canada’s Molly Simpson to third place and Seattle’s Jacy Moore to her first-ever Women’s Pro podium finish, securing the second step.

As the weekend continues, riders will recover, refine their strategies, and prepare to either extend their dominance or make the adjustments needed to find glory at the USA BMX Carolina Nationals!

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Dominance or redemption?

That question floated around Rock Hill, SC, as Day Two of the USA BMX Carolina Nationals hit the track. Day One Pro winners geared up with a little extra confidence while others carried a chip on their shoulders, ready to grab wins of their own. On the ladies side redemption looked possible as Molly Simpson raced to a win in moto 1 in front of the Day One winner but it quickly switched a dominance kind of race day as Australia’s Gold Medalist, Saya Sakakibara found her way back to the front all the way to the Podium. Sakakibara leaves the 2025 Carolina Nationals with 200 USA BMX Pro Points and $6,500 in her pocket, marking a successful journey to the USA BMX Pro Opener.

Joined by her fellow Australian in the winner’s circle, Izaac Kennedy came into Saturday’s race day determined for redemption. While Day One saw riders locking in smooth and complete laps, Saturday brought some chaos to the early motos and scrambling the points for the top 16 moving onto the semi mains. 2024’s PULL BMX Rookie Pro of the Year, Drew Polk found the open door on Kennedy out of turn one, pushing him off track. While it was a must win situation for Polk to move on Izaac skimmed above the cut line landing in his semi main with last pick. Seeing red for the next two laps, Kennedy harnessed his emotions and laid down a Semi to move on and a Main Event to leave no doubt about who was the fastest Men Pro on Day 2. Claiming an Answer BMX Holeshot award and the race win Izaac salvages a his start to the season heading back to Australia with $3,250 from the USA BMX Pro Series. 

It’s been 120 days since we last saw the Pro class battling on the track and the 2025 US ABMX Carolina Nationals showed the excitement the best in BMX had to get back on the track. From watching the Pro BMX dream become a reality for our Rookie Pros to seeing the athleticism and composure of the Top pf the sport, the first fans and racers alike can’t wait to what goes down ar rounds 3 & 4 in Bakersfield, CA, April 25-26.

DAY 2 PRO RESULTS

Vet Pro    Total Riders = 17    

1. JEFF (BIG JEFF) UPSHAW, ZERONINE, NAMPA, ID, United States of America

2. CHRISTOPHER MIRELES, PROPHECY AMERICA, ZAPOPAN, JAL, Mexico

3. TYLER SMITH, CORSA RACEWEAR, CLEARWATER, FL, United States of America

4. NIC (CAPTAIN) LONG, HUFFY / STAY STRONG, CLAREMORE, OK, United States of America

5. RENATO REZENDE, ALLTOW WRECKING CREW/STAY STRONG, POCOS DE CALDAS, MG, Brazil

6. KJ (KJ) ROMERO, MAD CYCLES RACING, ROCK HILL, SC, United States of America

7. BRANDON ROHARIK, PAK BMX NATIONAL, CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH, United States of America

8. EMILIO FALLA, MURRIETA, CA, Ecuador

ABA Futures Women    Total Riders = 25    

1. DERIN  MERTEN, RACE INC., BOX, SEVEN, 6D, ODI, TEMPE, AZ, United States of America

2. AVERY (THE VOICE) JONES, J & R BICYCLES/SPEEDCO/AVIAN, CAPE CORAL, FL, United States of America

3. PRESLIE (THE PISTON) GOULD, FACTORY ANSWER, HENDERSON, NV, United States of America

4. KATE (V8) SIFFORD, BIOLAB-SYNDYT, WADDELL, AZ, United States of America

5. NATHALIA ALVAREZ, SARASOTA, FL, Colombia

6. VICTORIA (VIC) DUBE, ST-JEAN, QC, Canada

7. RILEY (MAD RABBIT) JORDAN, FIRST COAST NUTRITION, MIDDLEBURG, FL, United States of America

8. DAISY  (CRAZY DAISY) KETTLE, CALGARY, AB, Canada

ABA Futures Men    Total Riders = 37    

1. MATTHEW WEERTS, ALBE'S-SYNDYT-BOX, CLEARWATER, FL, United States of America

2. ZAKARY KAISER, FACTORY SYNDYT/LSG, GREELY, ON, Canada

3. RYDER SANTOS, FACTORY RIFT/TANGENT, LINCOLN, CA, United States of America

4. GAIGE (THE RAGE) GOMOLICKE, SUPERCROSS BMX, UKIAH, CA, United States of America

5. ALEXIS RHEAUME, QUEBEC, QC, Canada

6. DEEGAN (DOWNTOWN) BROWN, SUPERCROSS BMX, SAN JOSE, CA, United States of America

7. RYAN CHABRZYNSKI, 110% NUTRITION, KESWICK, ON, Canada

8. CHRIS FELKER, FACTORY RIFT/TANGENT, ROCK HILL, SC, United States of America

Women Pro    Total Riders = 19   

1. SAYA SAKAKIBARA, HELENSBURGH, NSW, Australia

2. SIENNA PAL, NO LOGO/REVOLUTION FACTORY TEAM, FORRESTERS, NSW, Australia

3. CARLY KANE, GUILFORD, IN, United States of America

4. MOLLY SIMPSON, DAYLIGHT, RED DEER COUNTY, AB, Canada

5. PAYTON (P-NUT) RIDENOUR, ME, TULSA, OK, United States of America

6. MCKENZIE GAYHEART, FORT WHITE, FL, United States of America

7. LEXIS (LIGHTNING) COLBY, SURPRISE, AZ, United States of America

8. KEILEY SHEA, 316 TRAINING/CHASE, LA HABRA, CA, United States of America

Men Pro    Total Riders = 37  

1. IZAAC (BLOWN 06 LEXUS) KENNEDY, CHASE, BRGSTORE, FLY, TIOGA, BRISBANE, QLD, Australia

2. SIMON MARQUART, SPEEDCO/AVIAN/IRC, BERN, Switzerland

3. CAMERON (COWBOY) WOOD, PHOENIX, AZ, United States of America

4. MATEO CARMONA, MEDELLIN, Colombia

5. KAMREN LARSEN, ANSWER BMX, BAKERSFIELD, CA, United States of America

6. DREW POLK, FACTORY SYNDYT/LSG, AVON, IN, United States of America

7. JACK DAVIS, FACTORY SSQUARED, LARGO, FL, Australia

8. ROMAIN MAHIEU, LYON, France