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Editor's Blog: Year of the ANZAC Battler

Monday, 30 March 2009 23:30

2009 has got me fizzing. In fact I think we should boycott the whole “Year Of The Blood Donor” campaign (although giving blood is still extremely important) and start our own slogan of “The Year of the ANZAC Battler”.

Why? Because our boys are murdering it overseas on the freestyle motocross stage.

Suddenly it seems the world has become smaller place as our lads jet across to different parts of the globe to proudly fly the Australian and New Zealand flags and represent.

As I write this, the following ANZACs are overseas and are either stamping, or are preparing to stamp, their dirty feet all over the world stage: Robbie Maddison, Bilko, Cam Sinclair, Steve Mini, Levi Sherwood, Jacko Strong, Nick Franklin and Robbie Adelberg.

And so far the results are nothing short of amazing.

The obvious standout is Levi Sherwood, who, in his debut international competition, tore his rivals apart and soundly won the opening round of the Red Bull X-Fighters in Mexico. The doors have now opened for Levi, and within the next 12 months he’ll be quietly holding the keys to the world FMX stage with a cheeky grin on his face.

And let’s not forget about Cam Sinclair, who beat out French legend Thomas Pages to finish the same X-Fighters comp in fourth Overall. Had the high altitude of Mexico not been an issue, Sincs would’ve hucked a Double Backflip in his run and easily waltzed through to the final. Come Round 2 of the series in Calgary, Canada, Sincs will we itching to throw the Double Backy in his run, and if he does, he’ll almost certainly be on top of the box. With Levi already establishing himself as a massive contender, don’t be surprised if our ANZAC boys finish 1-2 in the X-Fighters championship.

While all this was going on in Mexico, Showtime Yamaha’s Steve Mini was waging his own war in Europe. The easy-going bloke raged onto the podium two nights in a row at the FMX Fever comp in Holland. On the Saturday he placed third behind 2008 IFMXF champion Remi Bizouard and Yankee Matt Buyten, before slipping past Buyten on the Sunday night for second place.
Oh yeah – Mini also won the Whip comp at the IFMXF opening round in Berlin the week beforehand.

As for the others, well Robbie Maddison has already broken news headlines around the world for his jaw-dropping New Years Eve stunt at Las Vegas, and will again be a huge force in US freestyle, Bilko is preparing for an assault on the 2009 X Games and Dew Tour Championship, and Jacko Strong has been living with the Metal Mulisha crew and regularly riding with the likes of Ronnie Renner, gaining a whole lot of new skills and experience.

I’m really excited for all our riders who have taken the step to further their careers and head overseas. Sure it means we’re gonna see less of them in comps and shows back home, but these guys are paving the way for the new wave of riders ready to step up and make their mark.

Believe it: 2009 promises to be the best year ever for Australasian freestyle. Dunno about you, but I’m more excited than a dog in a home for high-strung cats.