'Everything goes wild': One of the biggest BMX Tournaments in the country is taking place in Tulsa this weekend

One of the biggest BMX Tournaments in the country is taking place in Tulsa this weekend at the Hardesty National BMX Stadium.

Olympians, professionals, and even Green Country students are competing to win national points.

Two riders from Sand Springs and Tulsa said this tournament is a really big deal because there's about 300 people competing.

Before the gate drops

Riders wait patiently behind other competitors before their race starts.

Then they roll up to the gate, take their starting position, and it drops.

"Everything goes wild. You're sprinting all out," said Jack Burden, a student at Edison Preparatory Schools. 

A growing sport

BMX is growing in Tulsa, and several schools have started their own team, like Edison Preparatory Schools, Sand Springs, Berryhill, and Memorial. 

I love that I get to ride my bike almost every day, and that I get to race against a lot of friendly people and a lot of good people to help me, like get better," said Burden. 

"I love to jump at all my tracks; It's just a feeling of exhilaration and everything. This makes us really happy to be there," said Gage Buchanan from Sand Springs Middle School.

Since Gage Buchanan and Jack Burden started racing, they've seen a lot of self-improvement.

"My first learning curve was when my teachers and my coaches taught me how to pump. That's been an amazing help for me, because now I can go a whole lot faster and beat a whole lot of people," said Buchanan.

"I've learned how to manual, which is like wheeling, and I've learned to jump," said Burden.

More than riding fast and jumping high

The boys have discovered a lot of self-growth.

"Never be afraid whenever you have to jump, race. Just be competitive and love your bike," said Buchanan.

"I've also learned that I'm braver than I think I am, " said Burden.

Going for gold

Both riders want to keep racing until they reach their dreams of competing for the United States.

"I love to be a professional, I'd love to be an Olympian," said Buchanan.

"I'm hoping my goal for BMX is to get gold and, in the Olympics," said Burden.

Race results after day one

Gage placed first place, and Jack placed second in Friday's races, along with first-place wins for Memorial and Edison.

USA BMX Legacy Nationals and USA Cycling Elite BMX National Championships

The three-day competition will be held at Hardesty National BMX Stadium at 490 N Lansing Ave.

USA BMX Legacy Nationals and Pro Series

Friday - Sunday, May 9 - 11, 2025

1. Friday: National races begin at 1:30 p.m.
2. Saturday: National races begin at 9:30 a.m., Pro Series Main event at 1:30 p.m.
3. Sunday: Races begin at 8 a.m.

Professionals and Olympians compete Saturday at Hardesty National BMX Stadium in Tulsa, and it's free for everyone.