Heating Up In Madrid
Written by Goba Thursday, 22 July 2010 22:33
It's heating up in Madrid!
After 35 hours in transit, there was a strike in Paris so 7 hours of that was spent sitting around staring at thousands of frustrated tourists, I've finally arrived in Madrid. First night we all hit the local Go-Kart track and let lose on what was a mint set-up, most of the riders were there, and Maddo, Sincs, and Levi's mechanic Monte showed us all up with their on track speed, Maddo taking fastest time, but Sincs most consistent overall and taking the crown.
First morning, Thursday, we got straight into riders and judging meeting after breakfast at the motel, which is a five minute walk from the venue. Stepping out of the air conditioned rooms into what felt like 35 degree heat on the streets was bit of a shock to the system, but something everyone will have to adjust to as during the day I'm told it will creep up to the 40's! Ouch!
It's an amazing feeling when you first walk into the Plaza De Toros Las Ventas arena!
When you think of Red Bull X-Fighters Madrid always comes to mind as one of the most epic of all events. The venue, Plaza De Toros Las Ventas, is spectacular, and when first walking into the stadium it really is quite mind blowing, and my first thoughts were, "Wow FMX really has reached great heights! To be able to hold a world class competition in a place like this is unbelievable!"
Maddo warming up in Madrid's first practice session with an Underfip
The course, pretty much the same one used as most Madrid rounds – this one being all ramp to big dirt lander in the centre, 3 at 45-feet, 3 at 75-feet, and one big hit at 110-feet coming straight out of one of the tunnels, this one the most testing for riders trying to get down big tricks.
With X Games only 6 days away its definitely playing on most riders minds who are entered. Clint Moore is facing the biggest 2 weeks in his career, and he told me the last thing he wants to do is ride over his head and blow his chances of making a good impression at the two biggest events in the world. He seems to be grounded about the whole deal and if he keeps his cool will do well.
It's now or never for Aussie Wildcard rider Clinton Moore
Cam "Sincs" Sinclair's gear bag didn't arrive so he's had to jump into a fresh set of boots right on the day of practice, which ain't the nicest way to enter the event that nerarly claimed his life 12 months earlier. Sincs's seems pretty cool though, and also is thinking about X Games and the gold medal, as winning one of those suckers has been one of his life long dreams.
There's an army of people wanting Sincs do well here in Madrid after last years accident
Maddo looked good in his first practice session, and he really needs to make his move for a top two spot here in Madrid to keep his overall podium hopes alive. He's got the experience and tricks to make it happen.
Maddo goes alright on the Go Karts too!
Jacko Strong will play it smart with keeping his Front Flip for X Games I think, but you never know what will happen if he's feeling it in the heat of the moment. The kid looks pretty focused at the moment, and incredibly fit, so I'll be interested to see how he rides here in Madrid.
Jacko has a lot to smile about!
Levi Sherwood, well, the kid always looks so relaxed, and knows how to not look like he's taking things too seriously, even though you know he is. He is always joking around, but when the time comes to lock it in he just makes it happen. He is definitely the man to beat this weekend!
Kiwi Levi Sherwood has a few targets on his back this weekend being the man to beat
The competition in Madrid is fierce, like you have Remi Bizouard riding as a Wildcard, and he will definitely shake things up if he makes it through to the top 8, which he should. Mike Mason also here, who stepped in to replace Nate Adams at the last minute. Nate decided to sit it out to focus on X16, and a lot of people are looking forward to watching Mike ride. Plus the likes of Andre Villa who is the inform rider of the serious, he will be right in the mix, as will local hero Dany Torres. Japans Eigo Sato is also riding well, and Mat Rebeaud is feeling a lot better than he did in Moscow so he'll be another looking to put himself up in the top 5.
It's going to be an incredible competition no matter how you look at it so make sure you tune in live at www.redbull.com as it's not an event you'll want to miss! Get behind the riders from Down Under as imagine seeing them all make the top 8, its definitely possible!
I'll tune you guys in as I go, and when I can, stay tuned, cheers Goba.
All photos by gobadirt.com
Madrid Pre Event video
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