Who takes the Sleeve?

It's just one race weekend; what's the big deal?

In an Olympic year and on the track hosting the UCI BMX Racing World Championship, Rock Hill BMX has one of the pivotal races for the US crop of talent to prove their stuff to Jaime Staff and the powers that be at USA Cycling.

2023 USA Cycling National Champions

Elite Men - Anthony Bucardo

Elite Women - Alise Willoughby 11x

U23 Men - Brayden Kemple

U23 - Mckenzie Gayheart 2x

Junior Men - Ethan Popovich 2x

Junior Women - Ava Corley

In a time when BMX thrives on international competition, the US crew will go head-to-head in each of the classes to prove their dominance and earn themselves the American Flag sleeve for the remainder of the year. A favorite for the weekend loads into the gate with 11 sleeves to her name; the #11 bike of Alise Willoughby comes into Rock Hill to defend her title on familiar ground. The site of her World Championship in 2017 and 2021 National Championship, Willoughby knows how to win in Rock Hill and is looking excited to fend off the youngster of the class. On the Elite Men's side of the action, the defending champ, Anthony Bucardo, isn't going down without a fight.

His first race back after his injury at the Winter Nationals, Bucardo has the experience to handle the pressure, but going back-to-back will be his biggest fight yet. It's a tough class to predict. Keep your eye on Bucardo, Larsen, Smith, and Sharrah to be at the top of the cut list going into the main event showdown.

2024 USA Cycling National Championship Entree List