Grand Valley BMX is hosting the Mile High Nationals, for the second time in nine months, but this time, several racers are competing for points to qualify for the USA BMX Olympic Trials Last Chance Qualifier.

Grand Junction is one of only two stops that offered Olympic qualifying points twice within a twelve-month period.

The Mile High National is part of the The North American Supercross Series and is expected to draw nearly one thousand riders from 33 different states and 9 countries, including Japan, New Zealand and Australia. 

Australian, Olympic silver medalist Sam Wiloughby is hoping to defend his title at this years competition, but two-time Olympic gold medalist, Maris Strombergs– is racing against Wiloughby to make sure that doesn’t happen. 

“There is so much competition out there. It’s Olympic year so everyone is going for it, so I’m just trying to put my best foot forward,”  Wiloughby said.

Meanwhile, U.S. Olympian Alise Post, is looking to repeat her win in the women’s pro class. 

We’re told all three of these athletes are favorites to make the Olympic team for their countries and Grand Junction is the last chance for American riders to gain Olympic-qualifying points.

The USA BMX Olympic Trials Last Chance Qualifier will give one rider a spot to compete in the U.S. Olympics BMX Trials— which means one of these racers could very well land a spot on the 2016 U.S. Olympic team.

“We’re going for gold, but you know at the end of the day if I could bring a medal home for the U.S. I’d be extremely happy and I’m very capable of it,” Post said.

The 3-day national event started Friday, April 29th, and will last through Sunday, May 1st at the Mesa County Fairgrounds.

Saturday, April 30th racing will kick off at 12:30 p.m. and on Sunday, May 1st, racing will begin at 8:00 a.m. the event is free, but parking is $10.

For more information visit: http://grandvalleybmx.com/