Two locals are hoping their hard work pays off in Utah today.

Alexander Chisholme and his longtime pal, Austin Davignon, spent the last week in Virgin, Utah, digging lines for daredevil mountain bikers ahead of today’s Red Bull Rampage.

Chisholme, 24, was part of a three-man crew digging for Brandon Semenuk, a big-name mountain biker from Whistler. Davignon was in the same situation for another rider – Anthony Messere.

Red Bull Rampage is a major invite-only mountain biking event, featuring international content.

Riders are judged on their choice of lines, as well as technical ability and complexity of tricks.

Semenuk made his debut at the event in 2008. At just 17 years old, he took the top step of the podium – his first of three wins.

Last year, he placed third on a route that included a major drop from a mountaintop to his line.

Today, he and his dig team – including Chisholme – are hoping their hours of sweat equity translate into an improved result.

This is the second straight year that the Yukoner has served on Semenuk’s team.

Each rider maps a route down from a mountaintop, then has his crew implement it over a week.

It’s a unique task, Chisholme told the Star yesterday, ahead of today’s competition.

“Digging these trails entails walking around the steep Utah desert, and finding a riding line to the bottom from the start corral at the top of the desert-like mountain,” he said.

Chisholme and company build a variety of features down the chosen line which varies from drops, stepdowns, bench cuts and more.

Each crew is composed of three diggers and one athlete, he said, noting the first two days of digging are a collaborative effort, while the rest of the week is rounded out by grunt work.

As the line is being formed, the rider tests it, working hard to dial in tricks before competition day.

Cyclists are alloted a maximum of three minutes to ride their line in competition, but most runs take less than a minute, Chisholme added, noting he was “super excited” about the opportunity to work with Semenuk.

“Mountain biking is where my heart is, and I would like to continue to be involved with it as long as I am alive,” he said.

“As a builder, (this) is an excellent opportunity to develop my skills in different terrain which one doesn’t often get exposed to.”

Closer to home, both Chisholme and Davignon have spent plenty of time at Mount Sima, building a course there in the past.

The Yukon duo now lives in Whistler, B.C.