Increased Participation, Biggest Global Field and Highest Attendance in the History of USA BMX’s Grand National

Dec 01, 2016

Written by Bart de Jong

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The 2016 USA BMX Grand National presented by Tulsa Sports Commission concluded on Sunday setting multiple records for the sport and the event. For the 19th consecutive year, the much-anticipated Grands returned to Tulsa for a record-setting weekend where more than 2,900 riders from 21 different countries participated in the year-end event.

All three USA BMX National number one title holders held on to their pro #1 plates as this weekend’s event concludes the BMX racing season. Alise Post (St. Cloud, MN) not only repeated her championship title, but she set a new record for nine total cups (4 as an amateur, 5 as a pro). Cristian Becerine (Argentina), who was the first South American to ever win a USA BMX Championship,

earned his fourth Vet title. France’s Joris Daudet had a near perfect 2016 season and capped it off by hoisting another silver cup above his head.

Four number one titles were awarded in the amateur division with 15-year-old Jesse Welch (Perris, CA) taking home the top spot, and Elida Beeman (Lansing, MI) winning the amateur girl division becoming the first rider from Michigan to ever hold a National No. 1 title. Drew Motley (Ormand Beach, FL) claimed No.1 in the Cruiser division while Jaycie Sinclair (Spring, TX) won the girls’ Cruiser division.

“It is simply amazing to see the continued growth of the Grand Nationals,” said USA BMX chief operating officer, John David. "Each and every year the competition grows and so does the participation. We were ecstatic to almost double the international participation and to see so many of our pro riders who participated in the Rio games come to Tulsa. From two years old to 72, racers of every age, skill level and nationality came to the great city of Tulsa and proved the Grand Nationals is, The Greatest Race on Earth."

For the first time since the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, along with Post, gold medalist Mariana Pajon of Colombia and bronze medalist Stefani Hernandez of Venezuela were matched up in the Championships on Saturday.

“The Grands holds a special place in my heart, and I love heading to Tulsa every Thanksgiving and getting those jitters walking into that building for the year-end finale,” said Olympic silver medalist and national champion, Alise Post. “It's been really cool to see the growth of the race over the years in all areas - participation numbers, global entries, the pro spectacular and the packed grandstands! The women's field this year had your top four from the Olympic final, a multi-time world champion, several olympians and international riders making it the biggest women's pro race at the grands that I've ever raced in.”

For more information on USA BMX or to find a local track near you, log on to www.usabmx.com. For more information on the Tulsa Sports Commission, please visit www.tulsasports.org.