Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme : FIM Freestyle Motocross World Championship

TAG Heuer is the Official Timing Partner of the NIGHT of the JUMPs

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:44:00 +0100

On the sidelines of the FIM World Championship Final in Sofia / Bulgaria the final details of the partnership between the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer, that is famous for its sports watches and chronographs, and the organizers of the FIM Freestyle MX World Championship SportPlus has been negotiated.

The partnership offers TAG Heuer numerous on-site and online presence as part of the NIGHT of the JUMPs World Tour, which hosts the FIM Freestyle MX World Championship and the UEM Freestyle MX European Championship.

TAG Heuer's timing data will be integrated with various LED displays on the course to show the remaining runtime to athletes and visitors. In addition, TAG Heuer is present on the Double Up pole and on the jury box.

Marko Manthey / CEO SportPlus: "We are looking forward to this partnership - TAG Heuer has been in motorsport for 150 years and achieved legendary status. To be a part of this world shows what Freestyle Motocross has grown to in the last years."

Thierry Huron / TAG Heuer Timing Director: "TAG Heuer has been pioneering timekeeping for 150 years. We have been the first Brand to master the 1/10th, the 1/100th, the 1/1000th and the 1/10.000th of a second both in Timekeeping. Being associated with the famous FIM and UEM Freestyle MX Championships underlines the brand's dynamic nature and strong ability to extend once again its timekeeping expertise."

ABOUT TAG Heuer

TAG Heuer, the leader in prestigious sports watches and chronographs since 1860, is one of the largest and fastest growing luxury Swiss brands. The Swiss brand draws upon its active engagement in the world of sports to create the most accurate timekeeping instruments in the world. From the Olympic Games in the 1920s to its role as official timekeeper to within 1/10,000th of a second for the legendary Indy 500 from 2004 to 2006, TAG Heuer, in a constant quest for innovation and precision continues to aim ever higher.

Thanks to this expertise and know-how, TAG Heuer pioneered one of the first certifications for Timing devices in the sport industry with the FIS (International Ski Federation) followed by the FEI (Federation Internationale d'Equitation) and the FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme) . Today, complemented by the "TAG Heuer by Chronelec" products and the brand new TAG Heuer by Lynx photo - finish camera, the range of timing devices available to the timekeeping world is unique, modular and expandable to provide "Global Timekeeping Solutions" for the most demanding sports events .

http://www.tagheuer.com

Javier Villegas leaps to FIM Freestyle MX World Championship

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 15:53:00 +0100

Sofia, 17th December 2011: On Saturday night, professional freestyle motocross arrived big time in Bulgaria. The world's leading exponents of FMX gathered for the last NIGHT of the JUMPs of the 2011 season at the ARMEEC Arena in Sofia (Bulgaria), where the destination of the FIM Freestyle MX World Championship title would be decided.

Twelve riders from seven countries laid on an incredible spectacle in front of 10,000 spectators in a packed arena, a show that had even the Bulgarian prime minister on the edge of his seat. The highlight of the evening was to be the big clash between title rivals Remi Bizouard (FRA) and Javier Villegas (CHI).

The crowd were already whipped up into frenzy during the qualifying round, which inspired maximum performance from the riders. Debutant James Carter (USA) dug deep to perform incredible Ruler Flips and Scorpion Combos that took him into the Top 10 but still fell short of the standard produced by the six finalists. Also missing out at this stage was Libor Podmol who took a tumble on his very first trick and was unable to continue. The German duo also progressed no further than the first round: Fabian Bauersachs had a good run, but could finish no higher than tenth, and unlucky Hannes Ackermann had no preparation time, as his bike and equipment arrived only at the very last minute.

The two Frenchman Brice Izzo and David Rinaldo were also unable to convince the judges of their case to be included in the final – this despite Rinaldo's Airplane and Superman Seatgrab Flip. So the finalists on this occasion were Massimo Bianconcini (ITA), Jose Miralles (ESP), Petr Pilat (CZE) and Maikel Melero (ESP) plus the two title aspirants, Javier Villegas and Remi Bizouard. Jose Miralles won the final Race & Style contest of the season. Fellow Spaniard Melero triumphed in the Maxxis Highest Air, recording a jump of 7.1 metres.

The first rider out on track for the deciding round was Massimo Bianconcini. Italy's grand master delighted the crowd with a brand new trick – a Double 9 O'Clock Combo – and will no doubt have been satisfied with his sixth place on the night. Miralles also showed off a new combo consisting of Stalefish to Double Can Can Flip. Although he finished the event in fifth, the result was good enough to secure him the bronze medal in the overall standings.

Red Bull rider Petr Pilat put in a really good run to take P4 in Sofia and to score enough points to finish eighth overall in the FIM Freestyle MX World Championship. Maikel Melero, who had already received the Rookie of the Year Award before the proceedings began, confirmed himself a worthy winner of the accolade with a perfect final run, including Double Seatgrab Flip, that steered him to third place in the Bulgarian Grand Prix and fourth in the overall standings.

Then came the moment that everyone had been waiting for – the confrontation between Javier Villegas and Remi Bizouard. Villegas laid on a tour de force ranging from Suicide Backlip Lockback to Tsunami Flip. Bizouard countered with Ruler, Cliffhanger and Hart Attack Flip, ending his sideshow with a Sidesaddle Landing. The Frenchman prevailed once again – his fourth triumph in a row – but Villegas had built up such a substantial points cushion that he comfortably took the title.

The new champion looked truly delighted as he was handed the huge trophy and, looking back over the season as a whole, he is a worthy winner. The Chilean's victory also represents a first in the FMX World Championship, with all previous titles having gone to European contestants.

The world's most extreme freestyle motocross series now enters its Christmas break. The new season starts on the weekend of 20th/21st January with the NIGHT of the Jumps in Linz (Austria), where the first two rounds of the UEM Freestyle MX European Championship will be contested. The first round in the 2012 FIM Freestyle MX World Championship will be staged on the weekend of 2nd/3rd February in the Italian city of Turin.

FACTS NIGHT of the JUMPs – FIM Freestyle MX World Championships

Sofia, 17th December 2011 – Round 12

Results NIGHT of the JUMPs – Final

1. Remi Bizouard (FRA-Honda) 417 Points
2. Javier Villegas (CHL-Yamaha) 409 Points
3. Maikel Melero (ESP-Yamaha) 403 Points
4. Petr Pilat (CZE-KTM) 402 Points
5. Jose Miralles (ESP-KTM) 389 Points
6. Massimo Bianconcini (ITA-KTM) 355 Points

Results Qualifikation

1. Remi Bizouard (FRA-Honda) 355 Points
2. Petr Pilat (CZE-KTM) 341 Points
3. Javier Villegas (CHL-Yamaha) 340 Points
4. Jose Miralles (ESP-KTM) 333 Points
5. Maikel Melero (ESP-Yamaha) 332 Points
6. Massimo Bianconcini (ITA-KTM) 317 Points
7. Brice Izzo (FRA-Yamaha) 305 Points
8. David Rinaldo (FRA-Yamaha) 303 Points
9. James Carter (USA-Yamaha) 295 Points
10. Fabian Bauersachs (GER-KTM) 281 Points
11. Hannes Ackermann (GER-KTM) 239 Points
12. Libor Podmol (CZE-Suzuki) 8 Points

Results Race & Style
1. Jose Miralles (ESP-KTM)
2. Massimo Bianconcini (ITA-KTM)

Results MAXXIS Highest Air

1. Maikel Melero (ESP-Yamaha) 7,10 Meter
2. Massimo Bianconcini (ITA-KTM) 6,80 Meter

FIM Freestyle MX World Championships

Ranking (after 12th contest)

1. Javier Villegas (CHL-Yamaha) 210 Points
2. Remi Bizouard (FRA-Yamaha) 195 Points
3. Jose Miralles (ESP-KTM) 158 Points
4. Maikel Melero (ESP-Yamaha) 145 Points
5. David Rinaldo (FRA-Yamaha) 118 Points
6. Libor Podmol (CZE-Suzuki) 114 Points
7. Josh Sheehan (AUS-Honda) 96 Points
8. Petr Pilat (CZE-KTM) 91 Points
9. Fabian Bauersachs (GER-KTM) 89 Points
10. Massimo Bianconcini (ITA-KTM) 69 Points
11. Romain Izzo (FRA-Yamaha) 52 Points
12. Brice Izzo (FRA-Yamaha) 52 Points
13. Hannes Ackermann (GER-KTM) 45 Points
14. Lukas Weis (GER-Suzuki) 42 Points
15. Kai Haase (GER-Suzuki) 10 Points

FreeStyle: Tension right up to the very end

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:12:00 +0100

Rarely have the closing stages of NIGHT of the JUMPs been as exciting as this year. For the first time in the history of the series, the FMX pros will be lining up in Bulgaria, and for no less an occasion than the grand finale itself. On 17th December, the Sofia Arena will be the venue for the twelfth and final round of this year's FMX World Championship. And to add the ultimate element of spice to the weekend, the freestylers have kept the destination of the title open until the last. The contest is between Javier Villegas (CHL) and Remi Bizouard (FRA), as no-one else can now catch them. The Chilean is 17 points ahead of the Frenchman in the standings, so essentially he needs a decent qualifying run. Then, even if he finishes 12th and Bizouard first, he would still retain a one-point lead. But anything can happen on the night; after all, Remi has convincingly beaten Javier in the last three outings.

Meanwhile, two Spaniards will be scrapping it out for the bronze medal. Jose Miralles is still 17 points ahead of his compatriot Maikel Melero. But in Gdansk, Melero outclassed Miralles whose star seems to be on the wane. And if Maikel once again pulls out his Doublegrab Backflip, Jose could find himself under real pressure.

No longer in contention for a podium are reigning World Champion Libor Podmol (CZE) and David Rinaldo (FRA), both of whom are on 110 points in the standings. But even so, the young Frenchman will do everything to edge out the Czech and finish his NIGHT of the JUMPs maiden season in fifth place. That would be a huge success for the rookie. And the prospects are looking good, because Podmol was clearly handicapped by recent injury for the Gdansk weekend, missing out on both finals.

Behind this pair, there is an equally intriguing battle between the leading German exponent of freestyle motocross, Fabian Bauersachs, and Czech Red Bull rider Petr Pilat. The two are separated by a mere six points, with Bauersachs currently lying in seventh position but under severe threat from Pilat who flipped his way onto the podium in Ostrava and in Gdansk. On this sort of form, he will be looking to edge out Bauersachs.

For Brice Izzo (FRA), Massimo Bianconcini (ITA) and Hannes Ackermann (GER), the only thing that still matters is to put in a good run and emphasise their credentials for next season. Despite being reduced to the role of bit players this time, they will surely spring a few surprises in Sofia. The crowd can look forward to a NIGHT of the JUMPs debut appearance by James Carter, a rider from sunny California who is braving the European winter to stake a claim for inclusion in the 2012 FIM Freestyle MX World Championship.

In any case, this deciding round in the World Championship guarantees that there will be no shortage of excitement and that the arrival of top-class freestyle motocross in Bulgaria will be an occasion to remember. If you are unable to be at the Sofia Arena on 17th December, you can follow all the action via livestreaming on www.NIGHToftheJUMPs.com or watch the final live on either Motors TV or Eurosport HD.

Field of riders:

Javier Villegas (CHL)
Remi Bizouard (FRA)
Jose Miralles (ESP)
Maikel Melero (ESP)
Libor Podmol (CZE)
David Rinaldo (FRA)
Brice Izzo (FRA)
Petr Pilat (CZE)
Fabian Bauersachs (GER)
Massimo Bianconcini (ITA)
Hannes Ackermann (GER)
James Carter (USA)

FIM Freestyle MX World Championship Standings (after 11th contest)

1. Javier VillegasCHLAMAYamaha192 Points
2. Remi BizouardFRAFFMYamaha175 Points
3. Jose MirallesESPRFMEKTM146 Points
4. Maikel MeleroESPRFME Yamaha129 Points
5. Libor PodmolCZEACCRSuzuki110 Points
6. David RinaldoFRAFFMYamaha110 Points
7. Josh SheehanAUSMAHonda 96 Points
8. Fabian BauersachsGERDMSBKTM 83 Points
9. Petr PilatCZEACCRKTM 77 Points
10. Massimo BianconciniITALACCRKTM 59 Points
11. Romain IzzoFRAFFMYamaha 52 Points
12. Brice IzzoFRAFFMYamaha 43 Points
13. Lukas WeisGERDMSBSuzuki 42 Points
14. Hannes Ackermann GERDMSBKTM 40 Points
15. Kai HaaseGERDMSBSuzuki 10 Points

Remi Bizouard lightning strikes twice in Poland

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 01:23:00 +0100

Over two successive NIGHT of the JUMPs staged at the ERGO Arena in the Polish port city of Gdansk, spectators were thrilled by a double bill of the best in freestyle motocross sport. On Sunday night, Remi Bizouard (FRA) once again took all 20 FIM Freestyle MX World Championship points, thereby narrowing Javier Villegas's (CHL) current lead to 17. So at the end of a highly successful weekend in Poland, the Frenchman goes home with maximum haul of 40 championship points. As Alastair Sayer (BOT) sustained an injury the day before, only twelve FMX riders contested the qualifying round on Sunday. And with the exception of Brice Izzo (FRA) who came of his bike attempting a Miniflip, it was the same line-up of finalists as on Saturday: taking Izzo's place was Jose Miralles, alongside Maikel Melero (ESP), David Rinaldo (FRA), Petr Pilat (CZE), Villegas and Bizouard. German rider Fabian Bauersachs in P8 finished two places higher on the leader board than the night before. Local hero Artur Puzio (POL) followed up a Miniflip with his own version of Long Distance Flip on Dirt, which sadly ended in a crash. Still on the mend after injuring himself quite badly earlier this year, Libor Podmol finished tenth, a creditable result in the circumstances. Massimo Bianconcini (ITA) put in a good run and was unlucky to miss out on the final by just seven points. But the Italian once again dominated the side contests after his double triumph on Saturday, claiming victory in the Whip contest and in the Maxxis Highest Air on Day 2. The Top Six stepped up a gear for the finale, pulling out their most spectacular tricks. Jose Miralles pleased the crowd with a Saran Wrap Flip, while David Rinaldo performed an Airplane with super-clean extension and Maikel Melero showed off his new Doublegrab Flip. But even stunts of this complexity were not enough to deprive Petr Pilat of third place: the Red Bull rider has now taken his second podium in the last three contests. But this was of minor interest once Javier Villegas rode out onto the track. If the Chilean could see off the challenge from Bizouard, he would then wrap up the FIM Freestyle MX World Championship on the night. Villegas summoned up all his best routines: Pastrana Trick with No-Hand Landing, Tsunami Flip and a Suicide Flip Lookback in which he almost touched the rear protective board with his helmet. But he was ultimately undone by a botched No-Hand Landing. Bizouard was once again firing on all cylinders, finishing three points ahead thanks to consummately executed Ruler and Hart Attack Flips. The upshot of which is that the destination of this year's FIM Freestyle MX World Championship trophy will not be known until the final round of the competition on 17th December in Sofia. Remi Bizouard is still behind Villegas in the overall standings but his double victory this weekend has reduced the deficit to 17 points. So maximum tension is guaranteed for the NIGHT of the JUMPs premiere in Bulgaria, which is also the closing round of the championship. FIM Freestyle MX World Championships - Gdansk, 27th November 2011 – Round 11
Final
1. Remi BizouardFRAFFMHonda435 points
2. Javier VillegasCHLAMAYamaha432
3. Petr PilatCZEACCRKTM414
4. Jose MirallesESPRFMEKTM401
5. Maikel MeleroESPRFME Yamaha395
6. David RinaldoFRAFFMYamaha386

Results Qualification
1. Remi BizouardFRAFFMHonda370
2. Javier VillegasCHLAMAYamaha370
3. Petr PilatCZEACCRKTM360
4. David RinaldoFRAFFMYamaha347
5. Jose MirallesESPRFMEKTM345
6. Maikel MeleroESPRFME Yamaha331
7. Massimo BianconciniITAACCRKTM324
8. Fabian BauersachsGERDMSBKTM288
9. Brice IzzoFRAFFMYamaha285
10. Libor PodmolCZEACCRSuzuki225
11. Artur PuzioPOLPZMSuzuki139
12. Michael DaciukPOLPZMYamaha121

Results Race & Style
1. Massimo BianconciniITAACCRKTM
2. Jose MirallesESPRFMEKTM

Results MAXXIS Highest Air
1. Massimo BianconciniITAACCRKTM8,10 Meter
2. Jose MirallesESPRFMEKTM7,80 Meter

FIM Freestyle MX World Championships Ranking (after 11th contest)
1. Javier VillegasCHLAMAYamaha192 points
2. Remi BizouardFRAFFMYamaha175
3. Jose MirallesESPRFMEKTM146
4. Maikel MeleroESPRFME Yamaha129
5. Libor PodmolCZEACCRSuzuki110
6. David RinaldoFRAFFMYamaha110
7. Josh SheehanAUSMAHonda 96
8. Fabian BauersachsGERDMSBKTM 83
9. Petr PilatCZEACCRKTM 77
10. Massimo BianconciniITALACCRKTM 59
11. Romain IzzoFRAFFMYamaha 52
12. Brice IzzoFRAFFMYamaha 43
13. Lukas WeisGERDMSBSuzuki 42
14. Hannes Ackermann GERDMSBKTM 40
15. Kai HaaseGERDMSBSuzuki 10

Bizouard tames Villegas once again

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 10:30:00 +0100

The return of NIGHT of the JUMPs to Poland could not have been more spectacular. Javier Villegas (CHL) and Remi Bizouard (FRA) sought to outbid each other with amazing tricks in the tenth round of the FIM Freestyle MX World Championship at the ERGO Arena in Gdansk. In a breathtaking final, the Frenchman prevailed to keep alive his slender chance of overturning the Chilean's 19-point lead in the championship. Thirteen riders from eight nations lined up for the qualification stage. Local hero Artur Puzio performed a clean Miniflip but then, just like fellow countryman Michael Daciuk, was reduced to the status of spectator for the rest of the evening. They were joined by reigning World Champion Libor Podmol (CZE) who had to reduce his repertoire after sustaining an injury in his previous world championship outing. Veterans Massimo Bianconcini (ITA) and Fabian Bauersachs (GER) also had to bid the crowd a fond farewell after the preliminary round. The 'Italian FMX Stallion' at least had the consolation of winning the Race & Style contest and then beating off the challenge from high jump record holder Alastair Sayer to take the Maxxis Highest Air trophy. The rider from Botswana had an evening to forget, just missing out on the final in P7 and taking a tumble in the Step-up Contest which left him with a very sore arm. Jose Miralles, who is currently placed third in the championship rankings, also failed to qualify, but at least he had a good excuse: his luggage arrived only after free practice, giving him virtually no opportunity to warm up. So the Top Six on the night were David Rinaldo (FRA), Brice Izzo (FRA), Petr Pilat (CZE), Maikel Melero (ESP) and of course the two championship front-runners Villegas and Bizouard. Rinaldo went first, putting in an Airplane and a solid Superman Seatgrab Backflip that would normally have been good enough for a podium finish, but the diminutive Frenchman's last jump ended as a Dead Sailor. A similar fate befell Maikel Melero who performed two Cordova Flips in his final run, finishing fifth despite premiering his versions of the Cliffhanger Flip and Double Seatgrab Backflip. Red Bull rider Petr Pilat has recently become a podium regular: after taking third place in Ostrava, he missed out on another top-three finish in Gdansk by only four points. This honour went instead to Brice Izzo who put together a superb final run consisting of Miniflip, Cordova Flip and Superman Seatgrab Indy Flip. Brice really seems to have returned to form after his severe injury earlier this year. But the main bout of the evening was still to come. Villegas and Bizouard were not inclined to do each other any favours and waged a battle worthy of this decisive stage in the Freestyle Motocross World Championship. Villegas went first with Tsunami, Superman Seatgrab Indy and Suicide Flips plus Nac Underflip. Bizouard countered with Ruler, Cliffhanger and Hart Attack Flip. The panel adjudged the Frenchman to have prevailed on the evening, thereby trimming Villegas's championship lead to 19 points. The next batch of championship points will be awarded as early as Sunday evening. The FMX pros then start all over again in the ERGO Arena Gdansk, vying for supremacy in the eleventh and penultimate competition in the FIM Freestyle MX World Championship. This event will also be broadcast live on Motors TV and via internet on www.NIGHToftheJUMPs.com (4pm - 5pm GMT). FACTS NIGHT of the JUMPs – FIM Freestyle MX World Championships
Gdansk, 26th November 2011 – Round 10
Results NIGHT of the JUMPs – Final
1. Remi BizouardFRAFFMHonda437 Points
2. Javier VillegasCHLAMAYamaha429 Points
3. Brice IzzoFRAFFMYamaha416 Points
4. Petr PilatCZEACCRKTM412 Points
5. Maikel MeleroESPRFME Yamaha395 Points
6. David RinaldoFRAFFMYamaha293 Points

Results Qualification
1. Remi BizouardFRAFFMHonda365 Points
2. Javier VillegasCHLAMAYamaha360 Points
3. Maikel MeleroESPRFME Yamaha358 Points
4. Petr PilatCZEACCRKTM344 Points
5. Brice IzzoFRAFFMYamaha342 Points
6. David RinaldoFRAFFMYamaha331 Points
7. Alastair SayerBOTOSKSuzuki329 Points
8. Jose MirallesESPRFMEKTM321 Points
9. Massimo BianconciniITAACCRKTM309 Points
10. Fabian BauersachsGERDMSBKTM283 Points
11. Libor PodmolCZEACCRSuzuki272 Points
12. Artur PuzioPOLPZMSuzuki175 Points
13. Michael DaciukPOLPZMYamaha139 Points

Results Race & Style
1. Massimo BianconciniITAACCRKTM
2. Brice IzzoFRAFFMYamaha

Results MAXXIS Highest Air
1. Massimo BianconciniITAACCRKTM8,80 Meter
2. Alastair SayerBOTOSKSuzuki8,80 Meter

FIM Freestyle MX World Championships
Ranking (after 10th contest)
1. Javier VillegasCHLAMAYamaha174 Points
2. Remi BizouardFRAFFMYamaha155 Points
3. Jose MirallesESPRFMEKTM132 Points
4. Maikel MeleroESPRFME Yamaha117 Points
5. Libor PodmolCZEACCRSuzuki104 Points
6. David RinaldoFRAFFMYamaha100 Points
7. Josh SheehanAUSMAHonda 96 Points
8. Fabian BauersachsGERDMSBKTM 75 Points
9. Petr PilatCZEACCRKTM 61 Points
10. Romain IzzoFRAFFMYamaha 52 Points
11. Massimo BianconciniITALACCRKTM 50 Points
12. Lukas WeisGERDMSBSuzuki 42 Points
13. Hannes Ackermann GERDMSBKTM 40 Points
14. Brice IzzoFRAFFMYamaha 36 Points
15. Kai HaaseGERDMSBSuzuki 10 Points

Freestyle - Bizouard vs. Villegas: The battle

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:06:00 +0100

The FIM Freestyle MX World Championship is moving into its decisive phase. After nine rounds, only 21 points separate the leader Javier Villegas (CHL) from close pursuer Remi Bizouard (FRA). Last weekend in Ostrava, the two-time world champion from France halted the Chilean rider's onward march and clearly demonstrated that he is still in contention for this year's title. The FMX elite are now en route to NIGHT of the JUMPs at the ERGO Arena in Gdansk, where not one but two consecutive rounds of the World Championship are on the bill, which of course means that there are a full 40 championship points up for grabs.

Remi Bizouard has tasted blood and will be performing his most daring tricks in an attempt to add a third world championship trophy to his cabinet. To be sure of this, however, he must not only win all three remaining contests but also hope that Villegas flops badly in at least one. Because even with three fourth places, Villegas would still have a wafer-thin lead to claim his first world title.

But quite apart from the two front-runners, there is also a battle royal raging for the final podium spot in the FIM Freestyle MX World Championship standings. Spanish rider Jose Miralles currently ranks third on 124 points, while hot on his heels is fellow countryman Maikel Melero with a 19-point deficit. Reigning World Champion Libor Podmol on 105 points could still have a say in the final outcome. These three will be pulling out all the backflips they have in their repertoire.

We can also look forward to another great display from Red Bull rider Petr Pilat who not only outshone fellow Czech Libor Podmol in Ostrava but also thrilled his home crowd with One-Hand and Sidesaddle-Take-Off backflips to finish third and notch up his first podium of 2011.

French rider Ronaldo David will be seething with frustration after crashing on his last trick in the Czech spectacular and consequently missing out on the final. His many fans will expect him to come back strongly in Poland, quite possibly going for his celebrated Doublegrab Backflip. But he will also have to see off the challenge from his resurgent compatriot Brice Izzo, who will at the very least perform his trademark Miniflip to ensure a place amongst the Top Six.

The Gdansk fans will also be rooting for Polish young gun Artur Puzio and willing him into the final. Germany will be represented by Fabian Bauersachs, while Massimo Bianconcini will be waving the flag for Italy. After a lengthy enforced break, Alastair Sayer from Botswana in southern Africa will return to the fray. The world record holder in the high jump will obviously be the hot favourite to win the Maxxis Highest Air.

It is some years now since Polish freestyle motocross fans have had the opportunity to attend NIGHT of the JUMPs in their own country. Now, just like buses, two of them come along on the same weekend! The modern Gdansk Ergo Arena provides the perfect setting for the tenth and eleventh rounds of the FIM Freestyle MX World Championship in the context of NIGHT of the JUMPs. Two Grand Prix competitions with guaranteed action and maximum adrenaline rush. And if you're unable to be there in person, you can follow the live streaming on www.NIGHToftheJUMPs.com or watch it on Motors TV or Eurosport HD.

Field of Riders:
Javier Villegas (CHL)
Remi Bizouard (FRA)
Jose Miralles (ESP)
Maikel Melero (ESP)
Libor Podmol (CZE)
David Rinaldo (FRA)
Brice Izzo (FRA)
Petr Pilat (CZE)
Fabian Bauersachs (GER)
Massimo Bianconcini (ITA)
Alastair Sayer (BOT)
Artur Puzio (POL)

FIM Freestyle MX World Championships - Ranking (after 9th contest)

1. Javier VillegasCHLAMAYamaha156 Points
2. Remi BizouardFRAFFMYamaha135 Points
3. Jose MirallesESPRFMEKTM124 Points
4. Maikel MeleroESPRFME Yamaha105 Points
5. Libor PodmolCZEACCR Suzuki 99 Points
6. Josh SheehanAUSMAHonda96 Points
7. David RinaldoFRAFFMYamaha 90 Points
8. Fabian BauersachsGERDMSBKTM 69 Points
9. Romain IzzoFRAFFMYamaha 52 Points
10. Petr PilatCZEACCRKTM 47 Points
11. Massimo Bianconcini ITALACCRKTM43 Points
12. Lukas WeisGERDMSBSuzuki42 Points
13. Hannes Ackermann GERDMSBKTM 40 Points
14. Brice IzzoFRAFFMYamaha 20 Points
15. Kai HaaseGERDMSBSuzuki10 Points

Bizouard dominates Ostrava

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 11:18:00 +0100

The FIM Freestyle MX World Championship has entered its decisive phase. On Saturday night, the CEZ Arena in Ostrava played host to the world's trickiest riders as they contested the ninth round of the World Championship during NIGHT of the JUMPs. Four Czech riders lined up for the qualifying stage. Despite a few decent backflips, Tomas Lysacek and Frantisek Maca didn't make it through to the final round. But never mind, because Red Bull rider Petr Pilat and local hero Libor Podmol won the hearts of the Ostrava fans by progressing into the finale. Accompanying the two Czech riders were the French duo of Brice Izzo and Remi Bizouard. By way of a little bonus, Izzo pulled off a miniflip while Bizouard totally dominated the preliminary round. Current championship leader Javier Villegas (CHL) and Spanish 'El Loco' Jose Miralles booked the last two places for the final showdown. Surprisingly, Maikel Melero (ESP) missed out this time in qualifying, finishing only seventh. And despite a good run, eighth-placed Fabian Bauersachs was also sent for an early bath, a fate that was shared by fellow countryman Lukas Weis and Belgian rider William van den Putte. David Rinaldo put in a solid run that should have been good enough to see him through. But in the double-up, he took a nasty tumble that required medical treatment. German fans have waited a long time for success in the Race & Style Contest, and it eventually came tonight. Lukas Weis beat off the challenge from Jose Miralles to secure the win bonus. In the Maxxis Highest Air, Frantisek Maca triumphed with 8.40-metre jump ahead of Jose Miralles, a win that was celebrated tumultuously by the home crowd. Libor Podmol was contesting his 100th NIGHT of the JUMPs this weekend, but despite making it through to the final, the evening ended in anticlimax. First, he crashed in free practice while attempting a tandem backflip with his brother. Then on his penultimate jump in the final, he crashed into the perimeter board and was unable to continue. So he ended in sixth place, the worst result he has ever posted in his home town. Even so, the Czech crowd had good grounds for optimism as Petr Pilat was still flying the national flag. With tricks such a One-Hand-Takeoff Backflip and Tsunami Flip, he earned himself a place on the podium and was surpassed only by Javier Villegas and Remi Bizouard. Villegas once again completed a strong run, but was well beaten on the night by Bizouard who was not only on a new bike but also back to peak form with Ruler Flip, Cliffhanger Flip and Hart Attack Flip. Brice Izzo ruled himself out of contention for a podium finish with a botched miniflip. And even Jose Miralles could finish no higher than fifth. In the overall standings, Javier Villegas continues to hold Remi Bizouard at bay. But the Frenchman succeeded in reducing Chilean rider's lead to 21 points, thereby opening up the World Championship once again. In the ensuing press conference, Javier was quick to announce that he will see off the challenge from Remi in the upcoming events. The FMX professionals have only a few days rest, because rounds 10 and 11 of the World Championship are scheduled for next weekend in the context of NIGHT of the Jumps at the Ergo Arena in Gdansk. But if you can't be there in person, the proceedings will once again be livestreamed on NIGHToftheJUMPs.com. Results NIGHT of the JUMPs – Final
1. Remi Bizouard FRA FFM Honda 427 points
2. Javier Villegas CHL AMA Yamaha 417
3. Petr Pilat CZE ACCR KTM 396
4. Brice Izzo FRA FFM Yamaha 376
5. Jose Miralles ESP RFME KTM 374
6. Libor Podmol CZE ACCR Suzuki 353

Results Qualifikation
1. Remi Bizouard FRA FFM Honda 365 points
2. Libor Podmol CZE ACCR Suzuki 360
3. Javier Villegas CHL AMA Yamaha 356
4. Petr Pilat CZE ACCR KTM 341
5. Brice Izzo FRA FFM Yamaha 340
6. Jose Miralles ESP RFME KTM 337
7. Maikel Melero ESP RFME Yamaha 331
8. Fabian Bauersachs GER DMSB KTM 296
9. William v.d. Putte BEL MFR KTM 287
10. Lukas Weis GER DMSB Suzuki 283
11. David Rinaldo FRA FFM Yamaha 280
12. Tomas Lysacek CZE ACCR Suzuki 180
13. Frantisek Maca CZE ACCR Kawasaki 165

Results Race & Style
1. Lukas Weis GER DMSB Suzuki
2. Jose Miralles ESP RFME KTM

Results MAXXIS Highest Air
1. Frantisek Maca CZE ACCR Kawasaki 8,40 Meter
2. Jose Miralles ESP RFME KTM 8,10

FIM Freestyle MX World Championships
Ranking (after 9th contest)
1. Javier Villegas CHL AMA Yamaha 156 points
2. Remi Bizouard FRA FFM Yamaha 135
3. Jose Miralles ESP RFME KTM 124
4. Maikel Melero ESP RFME Yamaha 105
5. Libor Podmol CZE ACCR Suzuki 99
6. Josh Sheehan AUS MA Honda 96
7. David Rinaldo FRA FFM Yamaha 90
8. Fabian Bauersachs GER DMSB KTM 69
9. Romain Izzo FRA FFM Yamaha 52
10. Petr Pilat CZE ACCR KTM 47
11. Massimo Bianconcini ITAL ACCR KTM 43
12. Lukas Weis GER DMSB Suzuki 42
13. Hannes Ackermann GER DMSB KTM 40
14. Brice Izzo FRA FFM Yamaha 20
15. Kai Haase GER DMSB Suzuki 10

NIGHT of the JUMPs: Ostrava 2011

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:39:00 +0100

Motocrossers and fans everywhere await with bated breath the ninth round of the FIM Freestyle MX World Championship, which is to be contested on 19th November 2011 at the CEZ Arena in Ostrava, Czech Republic. Since 2009, the town nestling on the river Oder/Odra has regularly played host to spectacular showdowns between the FMX elite on their NIGHT of the JUMPs world tour. Javier Villegas (CHL) is tipped to win this year's title, having secured a podium finish at almost every contest. And there's no pressure on him either in the Czech Republic, because Villegas can still hang on to the lead, even if second-placed Remi Bizouard (FRA) comes home first.

But one thing is for sure: Javier's rivals will again wow us with dazzling tricks and engines glowing red hot in an effort to whittle away his lead in the remaining contests. It shouldn't be too difficult to knock the Chilean king of the standings off his perch, since both Bizouard, who is just 23 points adrift, and Spanish FMX torero Jose Miralles will once again be out to show what they can do this November. And let's not forget Australian and six-time winner of NIGHT of the JUMPs Josh Sheehan, who is currently fourth-best rider, clinching two first places at the last battle in Riga, despite carrying a shoulder injury; he reaffirmed his present longstanding dominant position both in the whip contest and in qualifying, leaving other riders out in the cold with his amazing stunts. Nor will Spaniard Maikel Melero, who is currently on level pegging with Sheehan, be at all fazed as he lines up for the start.

Libor Podmol, currently sixth on 89 points, can look forward to an added bonus: he was born in Ostrava and will have the home advantage. Will the Czech rider manage to secure his second win of the season cheered on by the crowd or will he get bogged down in qualifying like last time?

In the world championship classification, though, 'young gun' David Ronaldo (FRA), is breathing down Podmol's neck, and he will no doubt perform his Double Grab Backflip to make up the wafer-thin gap of four points on the Czech rider and move into the Top Six.

Red Bull rider Petr Pilat will also be flying the flag for the Czech Republic. And he too will send shivers down the spines of fellow Czechs when he performs One- hand Takeoffs and Tsunami Backflips to land a place in the finals, as he did last time out in Riga.

Germany is represented by Fabian Bauersachs, who will be firing up his KTM to defend and possibly improve his eighth place, if things go really well.

French rider Brice Izzo, who was put out of contention with a bad injury and was subsequently replaced by his brother Romain until round seven, has now been back on the scene since Riga. We can't wait to see whether he can still pull some breathtaking stunts out of the bag.

The wildcards went to Lukas Weis from Germany and Belgian rider William van den Putte, who are super-keen to do well in the next NIGHT of the JUMPs, dazzling spectators with brilliant tricks.

NIGHT of the JUMPs / FIM Freestyle MX World Championship - Round 9
19th November 2011 - CEZ Arena - Ostrava / Czech Republic

Field of riders:

Javier Villegas (CHL)
Remi Bizouard (FRA)
Jose Miralles (ESP)
Maikel Melero (ESP)
Libor Podmol (CZE)
David Rinaldo (FRA)
Brice Izzo (FRA)
Josh Sheehan (AUS)
Petr Pilat (CZE)
Fabian Bauersachs (GER)

Wildcards:
Lukas Wies (GER)
William van den Putte (BEL)

Javier Villegas heading for FMX world title

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 10:07:00 +0200

Freestyle motocross fans have been suffering withdrawal symptoms for the past four months, waiting for the resumption of NIGHT of the JUMPs. Yesterday (Saturday), the summer break finally came to an end as the FMX elite assembled for the eighth round of the 2011 FIM Freestyle MX World Championship in Riga. World championship leader Javier Villegas (CHL) made the best possible start to the second half of the season, firmly putting Remi Bizouard (FRA) and Josh Sheehan (AUS) in their place. A total of 14 freestyle motocross riders from eight countries lined up for the qualifying stage – but only after Latvian Martins Alexandrovics had laid on a one-man show and whipped up the frenzy with the first backflip of the evening. Then it was the turn of the professionals. The two Russian riders Nikolay Ivankov and Aleksey Koleshnikov had big ambitions for the evening, but had to content themselves with the last two places. In the 'Best of the Germans' stakes, Hannes Ackermann edged out Fabian Bauersachs, but this duo was also destined for an early exit. Last year's runner-up Brice Izzo staged his long-awaited comeback after a long injury, but it was obvious that he still needs some time to regain his previous form. But perhaps the biggest surprise of all was to see reigning champion Libor Podmol go out in qualifying. Massimo Bianconcini and David Rinaldo were also eliminated, so the top six going through to the final were: Petr Pilat (CZE), Jose Miralles (ESP), Maikel Melero (ESP), Javier Villegas, Remi Bizouard and Josh Sheehan. In the Whip contest, local hero Alexandrovics got as far as the semi-finals, but then had to concede defeat to Bianconcini, who in turn lost out to Josh Sheehan. It's been a long time since Libor Podmol has competed in a Maxxis Highest Air contest, but he won this one fairly easily. The final of the Baltic Grand Prix sprung some further surprises. For example, Red Bull rider Petr Pilat was in impressive form, surpassing the two Spaniards Maikel Melero and Jose Miralles with a sequence of new tricks such as his One-hand Takeoff Backflip and Tsunami Flip to claim the hot seat. But his short tenure lasted only until world championship leader Javier Villegas performed a run of Nac Underflip, Tsunami Flip and a couple of other daredevil tricks. Remi Bizouard pulled out all the stops on his final run, rattling off Ruler Flip, Cliffhanger Flip, Switchblade Flip, Ruler Tsunami and more. But the panel aroused the ire of the Frenchman by judging Villegas superior. So the only obstacle to a Chilean victory was now Josh Sheehan. However, the Australian FMX wunderkind was struggling with an injured shoulder and consequently had to leave the trademark Heelclicker 360 out of his routine on the night, finishing in third place behind Bizouard. This victory in Riga further extends Javier Villegas's lead in the FIM Freestyle MX World Championship. Sitting pretty on 138 points, he has a comfortable 23-point cushion over his closest pursuer Remi Bizouard (115 points). The riders now have four weeks to work on other tricks. On 19th November, they will all meet again for the ninth round of the FIM Freestyle MX World Championship at NIGHT of the JUMPs in the Czech city of Ostrava. Riga is also a fixture on next year's world championship calendar and will be hosting the FMX riders on 20th October 2012. Overalll
1 Javier Villegas CHL 20.0
2 Remi Bizouard FRA 18.0
3 Josh Sheehan AUS 16.0
4 Petr Pilat CZE 14.0
5 Jose Miralles ESP 12.0
6 Maikel Melero ESP 10.0
7 David Rinaldo FRA 9.0
8 Libor Podmol CZE 8.0
9 Massimo Bianconcini ITA 7.0
10 Brice Izzo FRA 6.0
11 Hannes Ackermann GER 5.0
12 Fabian Bauersachs GER 4.0
13 Nikolay Ivankov RUS 3.0 Final
1 Javier Villegas CHL 379.0
2 Remi Bizouard FRA 378.0
3 Josh Sheehan AUS 376.0
4 Petr Pilat CZE 364.0
5 Jose Miralles ESP 364.0
6 Maikel Melero ESP 346.0 Highest Air
1 Libor Podmol CZE 8.4 m
2 Massimo Bianconcini ITA 8.1 m
3 Maikel Melero ESP 7.0 m Whip Contest
1 Josh Sheehan AUS
2 Massimo Bianconcini ITA
3 Martins Alexandrovics LAT
3 Michael Jarygin RUS
5 Nikolay Ivankov RUS
5 Hannes Ackermann GER
5 Aleksey Koleshnikov RUS
5 Jose Miralles ESP
Qualification
1 Josh Sheehan AUS 351.0
2 Remi Bizouard FRA 343.0
3 Javier Villegas CHL 343.0
4 Maikel Melero ESP 334.0
5 Jose Miralles ESP 332.0
6 Petr Pilat CZE 331.0
7 David Rinaldo FRA 322.0
8 Libor Podmol CZE 319.0
9 Massimo Bianconcini ITA 311.0
10 Brice Izzo FRA 296.0
11 Hannes Ackermann GER 286.0
12 Fabian Bauersachs GER 282.0
13 Nikolay Ivankov RUS 232.0
14 Aleksey Koleshnikov RUS 220.0

NIGHT of the JUMPs: Riga 2011

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:10:00 +0200

On 22nd October, the NIGHT of the JUMPs summer break finally comes to an end. That's when the best freestyle motocross riders line up for the eighth round of this year's FIM Freestyle MX World Championship in the Latvian capital of Riga. Since 2007, the largest metropolis in the Baltic states has been a regular fixture on the world championship calendar of NIGHT of the JUMPs. And in the Arena Riga, the organisers have found a worthy venue to kick-start the second half of the 2011 FMX World Championship.

Latvian rookie Martin Alexandrovics has been allocated a slot in the programme outside the official competition to wow his fellow countrymen with his freestyle skills. Then the big names on the international freestyle circuit will take to the track and try to outdo each other with all the spectacular tricks they have been rehearsing over the summer.

The world title battle promises to be a sizzling affair. Javier Villegas from Chile currently leads the standings. 18 points behind is Jose Miralles from Spain, with two-time world champion Remi Bizouard (FRA) breathing down his neck. All three will be sizing up their chances against each other, but they must also be worried about the challenge from FMX shooting star Josh Sheehan. The Australian has not only won the last six NIGHT of the JUMPs in succession but was also signed up for the X Games, where he won bronze with a double backflip. As a new Red Bull rider, he won X-Fighters in Sydney. If Sheehan triumphs in Riga, he becomes a genuine contender for the world championship, in which he is currently lying sixth. Unless his opponents have a secret plan to stop his onward march...

But let's not forget the likes of David Rinaldo (FRA), Maikel Melero (ESP) and Petr Pilat (Red Bull, CZE), the 'young guns' who will have spent every minute in summer camp practising outlandish stunts to make their mark in the second half of the season. We are especially keen to see how Brice Izzo performs in his comeback appearance. The 2010 world championship runner-up, who has been injured since January, is set to return to the track for NIGHT of the JUMPs in Riga. Reigning world champion Libor Podmol will be travelling to Latvia with renewed motivation after seeing his form dip before the break, due in part to carrying a couple of injuries. If he still wants to have a say in the destination of the trophy, nothing less than outright victory in the Baltic will suffice.

Germany is represented by Fabian Bauersachs from Coburg and Hannes Ackermann from Thuringia. Ackermann recently won his third German FMX championship and will want to carry through the momentum from this triumph into the autumn rounds of the competition. Currently lying eighth in the table, Bauersachs will be looking to make further progress in his career.

The field boasts another Red Bull rider in the shape of Aleksey Koleshnikov. The Russian has a lot of backflip combos in his repertoire but has yet to make it through to a NIGHT of the JUMPs shootout. Maybe he will surprise us all in Riga. As for the spectators, they can look forward to high-voltage entertainment and the ultimate in freestyle motocross tricks.

NIGHT of the JUMPs / FIM Freestyle MX World Championship

Round 8, 21st October 2011, Arena Riga, Riga / Latvia

Ridersfield:
Josh Sheehan (AUS)
Javier Villegas (CHL)
Jose Miralles (ESP)
Libor Podmol (CZE)
Remi Bizouard (FRA)
Maikel Melero (ESP)
David Rinaldo (FRA)
Fabian Bauersachs (GER)
Massimo Bianconcini (ITA)
Brice Izzo (FRA)
Hannes Ackermann (GER)
Petr Pilat (CZE)
Aleksey Koleshnikov (RUS)
+ Martin Alexandrovics (LVA) (slot outside the official competition)

FIM Freestyle MX World Championships

Ranking (after 7th contest)

1. Javier VillegasCHLAMAYamaha118 Points

2. Jose Miralles ESPRFMEKTM100 Points

3. Remi BizouardFRAFFMYamaha 97 Points

4. Maikel MeleroESPRFME Yamaha 86 Points

5. Libor PodmolCZEACCRSuzuki 81 Points

6. Josh SheehanAUSMAHonda 80 Points

7. David RinaldoFRAFFMYamaha 76 Points

8. Fabian BauersachsGERDMSBKTM 57 Points

9. Romain Izzo FRAFFMYamaha 52 Points

10. Massimo BianconciniITALACCRKTM 36 Points

11. Lukas WeisGERDMSBSuzuki 36 Points

12. Hannes Ackermann GERDMSBKTM 35 Points

13. Petr Pilat CZEACCRKTM 17 Points

14. Kai Haase GERDMSBSuzuki 10 Points

15. Nikolay Ivankov RUSMFRHonda 7 Points

NIGHT of the JUMPS 2011

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 12:11:00 +0200

The initial rounds of the FIM Freestyle MX World Championship season offered plenty of nail-biting moments and some surprises!

The first half of the NIGHT of the JUMPS 2011 series is over. After the seventh round of the FIM Freestyle MX World Championship in the Russian city of Penza in mid-June, the tour began a nearly four-month summer break, which doesn't end until 22nd October, when the world championship hopefuls contest the Latvian Grand Prix in Riga. So let's take a look at the season's events so far!

This year's NIGHT of the JUMPS opener took place in Turin for the first time and not in Berlin. And it got off to a cracking start: Remi Bizouard made an impressive return, winning the Italian world championship competition. Reigning world champion Podmol, however, didn't even make the final. Newcomers Javier Villegas, David Rinaldo and Maikel Melero acquitted themselves well: the Chilean rider shot into second place, Rinaldo and Melero performed superb stunts, reaching the final. Jose Miralles and Massimo Bianconcini started the year in fine fashion, the Spaniard securing third place, while Bianco riding on home soil just missed the podium.

The FMX World Championship circus then moved on to the German capital. Jose Miralles took Day 1 from Bizouard and Villegas. On the second day, however, world champion Podmol made a comeback, winning the third round of the FIM Freestyle MX World Championship, pushing Villegas and Bizouard down the field. Remi Bizouard, however, took the lead in the FMX World Championship with two podiums and a win, closely followed by Javier Villegas, who also enjoyed three podium finishes, and Jose Miralles: he notched up a win and a further podium finish. Newcomer Melero displayed incomparable style, reaching the final in all three contests. And German FMX Professor Fabian Bauersachs was also highly consistent, finishing seventh in three events.

Next came the two Swiss Grands Prix, and with them a new era in the history of the NIGHT of the JUMPS was ushered in; for the first time in 2011, Josh Sheehan appeared in Basel on the world championship stage and nothing would be the same ever again. The Australian not only executed a flawless Lazyboy Flip, but also performed 360s on the course. In addition, he also pulled a One-handed-take-off Tsunami and other neat tricks out of the bag, winning both world championship competitions and, consigning the European FMX top dogs to their kennels. Javier Villegas was the only one to be unimpressed by all of this; he produced two more podium finishes, to secure the lead in the championship standings.

After the NIGHT of the JUMPS premiere in Turin, another 'newcomer' broke onto the world championship scene, the Russian city of Penza providing the backdrop for rounds 6 and 7 of the FIM Freestyle MX World Championship. Josh Sheehan again, and a further two wins for Australia's 'wonder boy'. The outdoor track suited the FMX dominator from Down Under best and he achieved the maximum possible: four world championship starts, four wins. Russia also proved to be the perfect playground for David Rinaldo. The Frenchman performed Airplanes, One-Handed Underflips and Double Seatgrab Backflips, which catapulted him into third place on the first day and second position on Day 2. And Villegas? After a P2 on Saturday, he missed the podium for the first time in 2011 on Sunday with a P4. He can live with that, though, because after seven races he leads the FIM Freestyle MX World Championship with 118 points and has built a comfortable lead of 18 points on Jose Miralles.

Remi Bizouard is still placed third in the world championship, but the Frenchman must by now be wondering what's going to happen to him; he failed to reach the final on both days in Russia, having left out some of his more spine-tingling tricks, such as the Cliffhanger and Ruler Flip. Podmol also had to accept unfamiliar rankings; P4 and 7 are just not good enough for a world champion, even if his injury is taken into account.

We get the feeling that the old guard at the NIGHT of the JUMPS are on their way out. Veterans and top dogs – Remi Bizouard, Libor Podmol, Jose Miralles, Massimo Bianconcini and Fabian Bauersachs – need to extend their repertoire of tricks, if they want to compete against the likes of newcomers, Josh Sheehan, Javier Villegas, Maikel Melero and David Rinaldo.

Things are moving too in the German rankings and it looks like a changing of the guard is on the cards; Hannes Ackermann is knocking at the door of FMX veteran Fabian Bauersachs. The youngster has dramatically improved the standard of his tricks with Tsunami Flips, Underflips and Airplanes. Hannes subsequently left even Fabian behind in Basel and missed his first IFMXF final by a whisker. Bauersachs restored the old order once again in Penza. But here, change really is the name of the game, and it's only a matter of time until the rider from the German region of Thuringia regularly outperforms his neighbour from Franconia.

At any rate, we mustn't forget Red Bull rider Petr Pilat, either. Yes, the Czech youngster has suffered from a lot of injuries, but has matured since last year to become a firm favourite at the NIGHT of the JUMPS. His repertoire of Backflip Combos is unparalleled. If he can continue to improve his non flip tricks, he's looking like a certainty for the final and perhaps also for a podium soon. Petr reached the finals for the first time in 2011.

As Brice Izzo was seriously injured earlier this year, his brother Romain was given his place. He is known to be a veritable trick king, who could reach the final at any time, given his repertoire, but in the first half of the season, the little Frenchman continually messed up, losing a much better position.

2011 produced the most exciting opening rounds ever in the history of the NIGHT of the JUMPs / FIM Freestyle MX World Championship. During the long summer break, though, every FMX rider has plenty of opportunity to work on tricks and runs. The second half of the season promises to be equally as thrilling. Can Javier Villegas defend his lead in the world championship and possibly even extend it? Or will Josh Sheehan just keep on winning and catch the rider from Chile? And what will world champion Podmol, two-time champion Remi Bizouard and Spain's 'El Loco' Miralles do? Go on the offensive once more? The wait will be over on 22nd October, when the backflip bombshells explode over the skies of Riga....

FIM Freestyle MX World Championships
Ranking (after 7th contest)
1. Javier Villegas CHL AMA Yamaha 118 Points
2. Jose Miralles ESP RFME KTM 100 Points
3. Remi Bizouard FRA FFM Yamaha 97 Points
4. Maikel Melero ESP RFME Yamaha 86 Points
5. Libor Podmol CZE ACCR Suzuki 81 Points
6. Josh Sheehan AUS MA Honda 80 Points
7. David Rinaldo FRA FFM Yamaha 76 Points
8. Fabian Bauersachs GER DMSB KTM 57 Points
9. Romain Izzo FRA FFM Yamaha 52 Points
10. Massimo Bianconcini ITA ACCR KTM 36 Points
11. Lukas Weis GER DMSB Suzuki 36 Points
12. Hannes Ackermann GER DMSB KTM 35 Points
13. Petr Pilat CZE ACCR KTM 17 Points
14. Kai Haase GER DMSB Suzuki 10 Points
15. Nikolay Ivankov RUS MFR Honda 7 Points

Sheehan sets new record with sixth victory in a row

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 13:43:00 +0200

On Sunday, the Russian city of Penza witnessed the gigantic climax to a mega weekend of international freestyle motocross. Once again, the rugby stadium was completely sold out. Over 10,000 visitors flocked to the two FIM Freestyle MX World Championship competitions held in the context of NIGHT of the JUMPs. On the second day too, Josh Sheehan (AUS) flipped his way to victory and became FMX tsar of Russia. What's more, this sixth victory in succession sets a new record for NIGHT of the JUMPs.

Just like 24 hours before, 15 freestyle motocross riders from seven countries embarked on a qualifying mission. The trio of Russian FMX motorcycling cosmonauts were even more impressive second time round, but it still wasn't enough to get any of them into the final. Causing a stir by going out at the same stage were two-time world champion Remi Bizouard (FRA) and reigning champion Libor Podmol (CZE). The Frenchman did not perform any of his more daring flip combinations, while the Czech rider forgot one of his tricks. The fans also had to bid a fond farewell to Massimo Bianconcini (ITA), Romain Izzo (FRA), Lukas Weis (GER) and Hannes Ackermann (GER) after the preliminary round. Ackermann was injured on his second jump, while Weis and Bianconcini made decent runs that got them no further. Which meant that Fabian Bauersachs (GER), David Rinaldo (FRA), Jose Miralles (ESP), Maikel Melero (ESP), Javier Villegas (CHL) and Josh Sheehan were the six names going forward into final.

The crowd erupted when local hero Michael Yarygin prevailed against Josh Sheehan in the Whip Contest. Maikel Melero was once again unassailable in the Maxxis High Air.

Fabian Bauersachs opened Sunday's grand finale with a clean run which earned him a creditable sixth place. Jose Miralles stuck to his usual routine, which left him no better off than his qualifying position of fifth. David Rinaldo showed off all his best tricks, such as Airplane and Double Seatgrab Flip, to convert a qualifying P4 into a P2 podium. Maikel Melero also charmed the judges to take the third podium spot. Javier Villegas, however, had to settle for an unaccustomed fourth place: although he pulled out all the toughest tricks in his repertoire, it wasn't enough to get him into the Top 3 today.

But reigning supreme once again was Australia's secret FMX weapon, Josh Sheehan, who performed 360s and flips as if they were second nature and dominated the whole field of riders with sheer perfection of style.

This second victory at the Russian Grand Prix has propelled Sheehan to sixth in the FIM Freestyle MX World Championship standings. Still heading the table is Villegas with an 18-point lead over Jose Miralles. Meanwhile, Remi Bizouard has slipped back to third.

NIGHT of the JUMPs now begins a four-month summer break and will return on 22nd October with the eighth round of the FIM Freestyle MX World Championship in Riga.

Results NIGHT of the JUMPs Penza, June, 19th 2011
1. Josh Sheehan       AUS   MA       Honda       482 points
2. David Rinaldo       FRA   FFM       Yamaha   440 points
3. Maikel Melero       ESP   RFME        Yamaha   430 points
4. Javier Villegas       CHL   AMA       Yamaha   426 points
5. Jose Miralles       ESP   RFME       KTM       413 points
6. Fabian Bauersachs   GER   DMSB       KTM       358 points

FIM Freestyle MX World Championships (after 7th contest)
1. Javier Villegas       CHL   AMA       Yamaha   118 points
2. Jose Miralles       ESP   RFME       KTM       100 points
3. Remi Bizouard       FRA   FFM       Yamaha      97 points
4. Maikel Melero       ESP   RFME        Yamaha      86 points
5. Libor Podmol       CZE   ACCR       Suzuki          81 points
6. Josh Sheehan       AUS   MA       Honda          80 points
7. David Rinaldo       FRA   FFM       Yamaha      76 points
8. Fabian Bauersachs   GER   DMSB       KTM          57 points
9. Romain Izzo       FRA   FFM       Yamaha      52 points
10. Massimo Bianconcini   ITAL   ACCR       KTM          36 points
11. Lukas Weis       GER   DMSB       Suzuki          36 points
12. Hannes Ackermann    GER   DMSB       KTM          35 points
13. Petr Pilat       CZE   ACCR       KTM             17 points
14. Kai Haase       GER   DMSB       Suzuki          10 points
15. Nikolay Ivankov   RUS   MFR       Honda            7 points

Sheehan makes it five victories on the trot

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 12:58:00 +0200

Bright sunshine greeted the debut NIGHT of the JUMPs in Russia. The first competition in FIM Freestyle MX World Championship history held on Russian soil saw 15 freestyle motocross 'cosmonauts' from seven nations launch themselves into orbit above Penza. When Josh Sheehan landed back on earth after a triumphant final run, the sell-out crowd at the rugby stadium in Yuri Gagarin Street went wild.

Red Bull rider Petr Pilat (CZE) was injured during training and unfortunately could not start. Nikolai Ivankov, Michael Yarygin and Vladimir Yarygin flew the flag for the host country after Aleksey Kaleshnikov, who broke his foot during the week, had to present a sick note. Although the three of them got a great reception from their home crowd, they were unable to compete at the same level as the championship contenders and had to watch the rest of the show from the Red Bull pits after being eliminated at the qualifying stage.

The German trio of Hannes Ackermann, Lukas Weis and Fabian Bauersachs also put in a creditable performance but were likewise left on the sidelines at half time. Two-time world champion Remi Bizouard was already having some difficulties in practice with the wind and continued to struggle in his run, so no final for him this time. This was contested by Jose Miralles (ESP), Maikel Melero (ESP), Libor Podmol (CZE), David Rinaldo (FRA), Javier Villegas (CHL) and Josh Sheehan (AUS).

In the Whip contest, Josh Sheehan took the honours ahead of local hero Michael Yarygin. The Maxxis Highest Air was won by Maikel Melero who beat the 8-metre mark. As the six finalists lined up to do battle, the sun bathed the stadium in soft colours, forming an incongruous but beautiful setting for the championship spectacular that was to follow.

In the private Spanish duel for fifth and sixth, newcomer Maikel Melero pulled off an Airplane and various flip combos to prevail against 'El Loco' Miralles. After recently breaking a rib, it bordered on the miraculous that Libor Podmol not only started at Penza but also made it through to the final round. However, it was a performance that fell short of the podium. This was fought out between David Rinaldo, Javier Villegas and Josh Sheehan.

Rinaldo went first with Airplane and Doublegrab Flip. Villegas countered with Nac Underflip and Tsunami Flip. But as usual, Sheehan went one better with a Clicker 360 and Lazyflip to earn a well-deserved victory ahead of Villegas (second) and Rinaldo (third) and take the trophy in the first NIGHT of the JUMPs staged in Russia.

By finishing as runner-up in the Russian Grand Prix, Javier Villegas has further consolidated his lead in the FIM Freestyle MX World Championship. The Chilean is now 13 points ahead of second-placed Remi Bizouard. Jose Miralles is waiting in the wings, just three points behind in third place

The last World Championship competition before NIGHT of the JUMPs heads off for its long summer break will be held tomorrow (Sunday), also at the Rugby Stadium in Penza.

Backflip cosmonauts set to thrill Russia

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:29:00 +0200

For the first time in the history of NIGHT of the JUMPs, the FMX elite will be performing at a Russian venue. On the weekend of 18th/19th June, the world's most daring motorcycle riders will descend on the rugby stadium in the city of Penza (approx 550 kilometres south-east of Moscow) to contest the last FIM Freestyle MX World Championship points up for grabs before the summer break. For the first time this season, a Russian name will appear on the bill as Red Bull rider Aleksey Koleshnikov digs deep into his repertoire to make it into the final round. Not an easy task in such a stellar field of riders. For a start, he is up against Josh Sheehan (AUS), the runaway winner of the last four NIGHT of the JUMPs events, whose presence guarantees a high-calibre battle of tricks with two-time world champion Remi Bizouard (FRA) and current championship leader Javier Villegas (CHL). And last year's world championship runner-up Jose Miralles (ESP) is sure to have been swatting up on new stunts during the two-week break to aid his campaign. The situation in the FIM Freestyle MX World Championship going into the Penza weekend is that Villegas on 86 points has a narrow lead over Bizouard on 82. Only four points behind in third place is Miralles. But as NIGHT of the JUMPs in Munich showed, the young guns of David Rinaldo (FRA), Maikel Melero (ESP) and Petr Pilat (CZE) are always capable of muscling in on the final or even clinching a podium. And the quality of tricks that these boys pull out is enough to put the top names under considerable pressure. In the first outdoor competition of the season, however, the experience of old hands Bianconcini Massimo (ITA), Fabian Bauersachs (GER) and Lukas Weis (GER) could stand them in good stead, as they are always up for a tough fight. And their ability to conjure up new tricks was demonstrated in convincing fashion recently when Bianconcini performed a Cliffhanger Flip and Weis pulled off a massive 360-Style Underflip. A big question mark still hangs over reigning World Champion Libor Podmol: the Czech broke a couple of ribs in the last World Championship meet in Basle but is doing his very best to avoid writing off the second half of the season in his title defence. Romain Izzo (FRA) and Hannes Ackermann (GER) complete the starting field for the NIGHT of the JUMPs / FIM Freestyle MX World Championship in Russia. And surprises are in store, as Izzo proved with his final run in Munich and Ackermann with his Tsunami Flip. Will rounds 6 and 7 of the World Championship result in a shake-up at the top of the standings, and will Josh Sheehan continue to dominate as he makes his debut in Russia? The fans in Penza can look forward to high drama and a display of the toughest freestyle motocross tricks in the world. Entry list
Javier Villegas (CH)
Remi Bizouard (FRA)
Jose Miralles (ESP)
Josh Sheehan (AUS)
Massimo Bianconcini (ITA)
David Rinaldo (FRA)
Maikel Melero (ESP)
Fabian Bauersachs (GER)
Romain Izzo (FRA)
Hannes Ackermann (GER)
Petr Pilat (CZE)
Lukas Weis (GER)
Aleksey Koleshnikov (RUS)
Libor Podmol (CZE) tbc.

FIM Freestyle MX World Championships
Ranking (after 5th contest)
1. Javier VillegasCHLAMAYamaha86 Points
2. Remi BizouardFRAFFMYamaha82 Points
3. Jose MirallesESPRFMEKTM78 Points
4. Libor PodmolCZEACCRSuzuki58 Points
5. Maikel MeleroESPRFME Yamaha58 Points
6. David RinaldoFRAFFMYamaha42 Points
7. Romain IzzoFRAFFMYamaha41 Points
8. Josh SheehanAUSMAHonda40 Points
9. Fabian BauersachsGERDMSBKTM39 Points
10. Hannes Ackermann GERDMSBKTM29 Points
11. Massimo BianconciniITAACCRKTM24 Points
12. Lukas WeisGERDMSBSuzuki22 Points
13. Petr PilatCZEACCRKTM17 Points
14. Kai HaaseGERDMSBSuzuki10 Points
15. Vanni Oddera ITAACCRKTM 6 Points

Javier Villegas takes championship lead

Sun, 22 May 2011 11:44:00 +0200

The second day of the Swiss Freestyle Motocross Grand Prix weekend could prove to be the tipping point of the 2011 FIM Freestyle MX World Championship. Javier Villegas was runner-up on the evening, a result that was good enough to see him take the lead in the championship standings. But outclassing all the other riders was Josh Sheehan who won his third NIGHT of the JUMPs in a row. Unfortunately, only 11 riders lined up for qualification on Saturday, as Libor Podmol had crashed in training and sustained an injury. The remaining riders were highly motivated and keen to top their performance of the day before. Lukas Weis was the first rider to use the transfer jump and improved significantly on his Friday routine. But it still wasn't enough to get him into the final. Fabian Bauersachs also flopped, in his case to an unaccustomed 10th place. But the third member of the German trio on the bill turned in the best result of his career to date: Hannes Ackermann used all the ramps to best effect and refined his Tsunami Flip. He was only three points short of qualifying for his first NIGHT of the JUMPs finale. This honour was snatched from him by Red Bull rider Petr Pilat who essentially claimed the place that would have gone to injured compatriot Libor Podmol: In fact, the remaining five places in the final went to the same riders as the day before. Tragic figure of the weekend was David Rinaldo who mistimed his landing in the double-up. So after his Dead Sailor on Friday, he once again missed out on the finals. Jose Miralles dominated proceedings in the side-contests. First he scored top points in the Race & Style and then he jumped 7.9 metres to victory in the Maxxis Highest Air. But those who thought he had shot his bolt before the finale were in for a pleasant surprise. In a flawless run, including a dirt jump, he performed his first ever underflip. A performance that was rewarded by the judges with third place. Remi Bizouard could have felt miffed by this: the Frenchman pulled everything out of the bag, from Ruler Flip to Hart Attack Flip, but had to settle for a frustrating fourth. Petr Pilat and Maikel Melero put in solid final runs in the battle for the podium, but they finished out of contention. As early as the preliminary round, it had become clear that the winner of NIGHT of the JUMPs in Basle would have to get past Josh Sheehan. Villegas laid in with a Tsunami Flip and several daring combinations, but Sheehan was firing on all cylinders. A miniflip on the landing hill after his perfectly styled run and a perfect Clicker 360 in the double-up secured him a third victory in his third successive competition. After five out of twelve rounds, Javier Villegas took over the lead in the FIM Freestyle MX World Championship. Remi Bizouard has dropped back to second place, four points behind. The next NIGHT of the JUMPs takes place over the coming weekend at the Olympiahalle in Munich. And who's to say that Josh Sheehan won't complete a grand slam and record his fourth win in a row? There will be more World Championship points up for grabs on the weekend of 18th -19th June in Penza (Russia). Final
1. Josh SheehanAUSMAHonda454 points
2. Javier VillegasCHLAMAYamaha418
3. Jose MirallesESPRFMEKTM414
4. Remi BizouardFRAFFMYamaha413
5. Maikel MeleroESPRFME Yamaha368
6. Petr PilatCZEACCRKTM364

Qualification
1. Josh SheehanAUSMAHonda391 Points 2. Jose MirallesESPRFMEKTM382
3. Javier VillegasCHLAMAYamaha380
4. Remi BizouardFRAFFMYamaha377
5. Maikel MeleroESPRFME Yamaha349
6. Petr PilatCZEACCRKTM326
7. Hannes Ackermann GERDMSBKTM323
8. Lukas WeisGERDMSBSuzuki320
9. Romain IzzoFRAFFMYamaha312
10. Fabian BauersachsGERDMSBKTM312
11. David RinaldoFRAFFMYamaha306

Race & Style
1. Jose MirallesESPRFMEKTM
2. Josh SheehanAUSMAHonda

Highest Air
1. Jose MirallesESPRFMEKTM7,90 M
2. Maikel MeleroESPRFME Yamaha7,60

FIM Freestyle MX World Championships
1. Javier VillegasCHLAMAYamaha86 Points
2. Remi BizouardFRAFFMYamaha82
3. Jose MirallesESPRFMEKTM78
4. Libor PodmolCZEACCRSuzuki58
5. Maikel MeleroESPRFME Yamaha58
6. David RinaldoFRAFFMYamaha42
7. Romain IzzoFRAFFMYamaha41
8. Josh SheehanAUSMAHonda40
9. Fabian BauersachsGERDMSBKTM39
10. Hannes Ackermann GERDMSBKTM29
11. Massimo BianconciniITALACCRKTM24
12. Lukas WeisGERDMSBSuzuki22
13. Petr PilatCZEACCRKTM17
14. Kai HaaseGERDMSBSuzuki10
15. Vanni Oddera ITAACCRKTM 6

Downunder Dominator conquers Europe

Sat, 21 May 2011 14:09:00 +0200

Josh Sheehan wins FIM FMX World Championship Contest in Basle For the fifth time in the history of the competition, the Sankt Jakobshalle in Basle was the arena for the FIM Freestyle MX World Championship. But what the fans got to see on Friday was probably the most spectacular NIGHT of the JUMPs ever. Following up on his stunning victory last weekend in Hamburg, Josh Sheehan has now notched up his first World Championship win, relegating all his rivals to bit player roles. Twelve riders from six countries competed in qualifying for the six coveted places in the final round. Unfortunately, Swiss local hero Mat Rebeaud was absent from the line-up because he unable to get fit in time after a serious injury earlier this year. That did not detract from the atmosphere, however, because right from the qualifying stage, the showmen were thrilling the audience with 360s, Hart Attack Backflips, Tsunami Flips, Superman Seatgrab Backflips and many other breakneck combinations. Josh Sheehan performed the best qualifying run of the season so far to claim top spot with 400 points. He was joined in the final round by Libor Podmol, Remi Bizouard, Jose Miralles, Javier Villegas and Maikel Melero. Despite pulling out his toughest tricks, David Rinaldo missed the final because of a Dead Sailor. Romain Izzo showed off a miniflip on the landing hill, but didn't make it through to the last six either. Best-performing German Hannes Ackermann took tenth place with a first-time Tsunami Flip. After the preliminary competition, Lukas Weis won the Race & Style Contest ahead of Jose Miralles. The Spaniard made up for this by triumphing in the Maxxis Highest Air with a leap of 7.5 metres. Then the bulldozers were brought out for the last time to create optimum track conditions for the final round. Maikel Melero opened the final and styled some extreme extensions. Ultimately, though, it was enough only for sixth place. Javier Villegas emerged next and topped his run in the preliminary round, securing a podium spot from P5. Jose Miralles, on the other hand, seemed to have run out of steam and dropped back to fifth place. Despite performing a Ruler, Switchblade, Cliffhanger and Hart Attack Flip, Remi Bizouard somehow missed out on a podium. Libor Podmol made sure of his by using the dirt jump to perform a brilliant Indy Underflip in the double-up. But despite all their huffing and puffing, none of them came close to knocking Downunder Dominator Josh Sheehan off his pedestal. He flipped a Lazyboy, a Tsunami and a Superman Seatgrab, topping off the display with his new Heelclicker 360 to win his first World Championship competition. In the overall standings, Remi Bizouard still leads from Javier Villegas, both of them on 68 points. Jose Miralles is third on 62 points. The next World Championship race will take place tomorrow (Saturday). The stars will then be lining up in Basel for the fifth round of this year's NIGHT of the JUMPs / FIM Freestyle MX World Championship, and we will see whether Villegas can overtake Bizouard in the standings. Final
1. Josh SheehanAUSMAHonda452 Points
2. Libor PodmolCZEACCRSuzuki429
3. Javier VillegasCHAMAYamaha416
4. Remi BizouardFRAFFMYamaha403
5. Jose MirallesESPRFMEKTM403
6. Maikel MeleroESPRFME Yamaha385
Qualification
1. Josh SheehanAUSMAHonda400 Points
2. Libor PodmolCZEACCRSuzuki374
3. Remi BizouardFRAFFMYamaha370
4. Jose MirallesESPRFMEKTM359
5. Javier VillegasCHAMAYamaha358
6. Maikel MeleroESPRFME Yamaha356
7. Romain IzzoFRAFFMYamaha337
8. David RinaldoFRAFFMYamaha332
9. Petr PilatCZEACCRKTM304
10. Hannes Ackermann GERDMSBKTM290
11. Fabian BauersachsGERDMSBKTM283
12. Lukas WeisGERDMSBSuzuki276

Results Race & Style Contest
1. Lukas WeisGERDMSBSuzuki
2. Jose MirallesESPRFMEKTM

Results MAXXIS Highest Air
1. Jose MirallesESPRFMEKTM7,50 Meter
2. Maikel MeleroESPRFME Yamaha7,50

FIM Freestyle MX World Championships
1. Remi BizouardFRAFFMYamaha68 Points
2. Javier VillegasCHIAMAYamaha68
3. Jose MirallesESPRFMEKTM62
4. Libor PodmolCZEACCRSuzuki58
5. Maikel MeleroESPRFME Yamaha46
6. David RinaldoFRAFFMYamaha37
7. Romain IzzoFRAFFMYamaha34
8. Fabian BauersachsGERDMSBKTM33
9. Massimo BianconciniITALACCRKTM24
10. Hannes Ackermann GERDMSBKTM20
11. Josh SheehanAUSMAHonda20
12. Lukas WeisGERDMSBSuzuki14
13. Kai HaaseGERDMSBSuzuki10
14. Petr PilatCZEACCRKTM 7
15. Vanni Oddera ITAACCRKTM 6

NIGHT of the JUMPs Basel 2011

Thu, 19 May 2011 14:06:00 +0200

Freestyle MX World Championship title chase continues

After the spectacular European Championship finale last weekend in Hamburg, NIGHT of the JUMPs resumes without a break this Friday and Saturday in Basle (Switzerland), where the St Jakobshalle stages rounds four and five of the FIM Freestyle Motocross World Championship.

The two Swiss Grands Prix are permanent fixtures on the NOTJ calendar. This will be the seventh time in the history of NIGHT of the JUMPs that the FMX elite have gathered in Switzerland; for the past five years, Basle has been the venue for the FIM Freestyle MX World Championship.

Unfortunately, there are no local Swiss riders on the bill this time. The event had actually been planned as a summit of world champions, with former champion Mat Rebeaud (SUI), current title holder Podmol Libor (CZE) and two-time world champion Bizouard Remi (FRA) competing for the honours, but Mat was seriously injured in January. Although he has done his very best to get fit again in time, it now looks like he will not be in the starting line-up for Basle.

Even without his presence, however, the spectators in the St Jakobshalle will still be on the edge of their seats. Because NIGHT of the JUMPs main contenders Libor Podmol, Remi Bizouard, Massimo Bianconcini and Fabian Bauersachs will have to dig deep into their bag of tricks to face down talented newcomers Josh Sheehan (AUS), Javier Villegas (CH), Maikel Melero (ESP) and David Rinaldo (FRA). Last weekend, the Australian wowed the fans with a Heelclicker 360, while Frenchman Rinaldo pulled out a Double Seatgrab Backflip. This was enough to see off the established IFMXF names and lay down a marker of their ambitions for the 2011 season. Javier Villegas has also shown himself in fine fettle in the World Championsip so far, fully meriting his current runner-up spot in the standings. The Spaniard Melero rides with a great deal of style and has propelled himself to fifth in the table with solid backflip combinations.

But still in pole position in the FIM Freestyle MX World Championship is Remi Bizouard on 54 points, two ahead of Villegas who has Jose Miralles (50 points) breathing down his neck.

Romain Izzo (FRA), Hannes Ackermann (GER) and – making his comeback after injury – Red Bull rider Petr Pilat (CZE) complete the starting field for the NIGHT of the JUMPs / FIM Freestyle MX World Championship in Basle. Lukas Weis (GER) also makes it into the line-up with a wildcard. Are we about to see a changing of guard in the IFMXF, or will the veterans prevail once again? The fans can look forward to a high-octane evening featuring the most daring freestyle motocross tricks anywhere in the world.

The St Jakobshalle will also be rocking during the sideshows: in the Maxxis Highest Air Contest, the riders will be aiming to beat the world record set by Alastair Sayer last year, and in the Race & Style Contest, Massimo Bianconcini will be trying to retrieve the crown he yielded to German youngster Kai Haase after defeat in Hamburg last weekend.

Field of riders:
Remi Bizouard (FRA)
Libor Podmol (CZE)
Jose Miralles (ESP)
Javier Villegas (CH)
Massimo Bianconcini (ITA)
David Rinaldo (FRA)
Maikel Melero (ESP)
Romain Izzo (FRA)
Fabian Bauersachs (GER/Rödenthal)
Hannes Ackermann (GER/Niederdorla)
Josh Sheehan (AUS)
Petr Pilat (CZE)
Lukas Weis (GER) - Wildcard

FIM Freestyle MX World Championships
1. Remi Bizouard - FRA - FFM - Yamaha - 54 Points
2. Javier Villegas - CHI - AMA - Yamaha - 52 Points
3. Jose Miralles - ESP - RFME - KTM - 50 Points
4. Libor Podmol - CZE - ACCR - Suzuki - 40 Points
5. Maikel Melero - ESP - RFME - Yamaha - 36 Points
6. David Rinaldo - FRA - FFM - Yamaha - 29 Points
7. Fabian Bauersachs - GER - DMSB - KTM - 28 Points
8. Romain Izzo - FRA - FFM - Yamaha - 25 Points
9. Massimo Bianconcini - ITA - ACCR - KTM - 24 Points
10. Hannes Ackermann - GER - DMSB - KTM - 14 Points
11. Lukas Weis - GER - DMSB - Suzuki - 10 Points
12. Kai Haase - GER - DMSB - Suzuki - 10 Points
13. Vanni Oddera - ITA - ACCR - KTM - 6 Points
14. Ivan Zucconi - ITA - ACCR - KTM - 5 Points
15. Miki Monti - ITA - ACCR - Yamaha - 4 Points

Jose Miralles jumps to victory in Berlin

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 10:29:00 +0100

There was a full house for NIGHT of the JUMPs in Berlin. The 11,000 spectators at o2 World cheered on the contestants during the second round of the 2011 FIM Freestyle MX World Championship. The riders repaid their audience with a trick spectacular that will be an enduring memory for anyone who saw it live. In a thrilling finale, Jose Miralles (ESP) won the first of the two German Grands Prix of the 2011 season ahead of Remi Bizouard (FRA).

The Berlin audience were obviously hoping for great things from the German quartet of Fabian Bauersachs, Hannes Ackermann, Lukas Weis and Kai Haase, as they took on the international elite of freestyle motocross. Unfortunately for the home crowd, none of them made it through to the final. Best of the German contingent was Fabian Bauersachs who came within 11 points of qualifying. Massimo Bianconcini, who finished fourth in Turin, was completely off form, going out of the competition after two dead sailors. Which meant that the six finalists on the night were Romain Izzo, Libor Podmol, Javier Villegas, Remi Bizouard, Maikel Melero and Jose Miralles.

After qualifying was over, Berlin local hero Kai Haase won the Race & Style Contest, outperforming even World Champion Libor Podmol. The Maxxis Highest Air Contest was won once again by the victor of Turin, Maikel Melero (9.6 metres), ahead of Massimo Bianconcini (9.3 metres).

First to be called forward in the final was Romain Izzo, who started with some good tricks but mistimed his double-up jump and so had to settle for sixth place. World Champion Libor Podmol made a determined attempt to compensate for missing the final in Turin but took a tumble on his last jump and could only finish fifth. Javier Villegas sparkled with his flip combinations to claim third spot on the podium. Maikel Melero once again failed to keep his nerve in what was only his second ever NIGHT of the JUMPs final and, despite qualifying second, could only manage fourth in the end.

The battle for ultimate victory in Berlin airspace raged between Remi Bizouard and Jose Miralles. Bizouard pulled out all his toughest backflips – Ruler, Underflip, Cliffhanger and Hart Attack – his most surprising trick on the night being a Shaolin, albeit not as a flip. But Jose Miralles had the answer and used all the ramps plus the Race & Style track for Underflip, Clickerflip and No-Hand Landing before blowing away the opposition with a Superman Seatgrab Backflip in the double-up. The Spaniard finished three points ahead and triumphed in the first half of the big freestyle weekend in Berlin.

After this second round of the FIM Freestyle MX World Championship, Remi Bizouard still heads the table on 38 points, with Jose Miralles close behind on 36 and Javier Villegas dropping back to third on 34. The next World Championship points are up for grabs on Sunday (6th March) in the second instalment of NIGHT of the JUMPs in Berlin.

Results NIGHT of the JUMPs – Final
1. Jose MirallesESPRFMEKTM407 Points
2. Remi BizouardFRAFFMYamaha404 Points
3. Javier VillegasCHIAMAYamaha365 Points
4. Maikel MeleroESPRFME Yamaha359 Points
5. Libor PodmolCZEACCRSuzuki358 Points
6. Romain IzzoFRAFFMYamaha308 Points

Results Qualification
1. Jose MirallesESPRFMEKTM371 Points
2. Maikel MeleroESPRFME Yamaha366 Points
3. Remi BizouardFRAFFMYamaha360 Points
4. Javier VillegasCHIAMAYamaha345 Points
5. Libor PodmolCZEACCRSuzuki340 Points
6. Romain IzzoFRAFFMYamaha331 Points
7. Fabian BauersachsGERDMSBKTM320 Points
8. David RinaldoFRAFFMYamaha313 Points
9. Hannes Ackermann GERDMSBKTM270 Points
10. Kai HaaseGERDMSBSuzuki237 Points
11. Lukas WeisGERDMSBSuzuki218 Points
12. Massimo BianconciniITALACCRKTM117 Points

Results Race & Style Contest

1. Kai HaaseGERDMSBSuzuki

2. Massimo BianconciniITALACCRKTM

3. Libor PodmolCZEACCRSuzuki

Results MAXXIS Highest Air
1. Maikel MeleroESP9,60 Meter
2. Massimo BianconciniITA9,30 Meter
3. Kai HaaseGER9,00 Meter

FIM Freestyle MX World Championships
Ranking (after 2nd contest)
1. Remi BizouardFRAFFMYamaha38 Points
2. Jose MirallesESPRFMEKTM36 Points
3. Javier VillegasCHIAMAYamaha34 Points
4. Maikel MeleroESPRFME Yamaha24 Points
5. Libor PodmolCZEACCRSuzuki20 Points
6. David RinaldoFRAFFMYamaha20 Points
7. Fabian BauersachsGERDMSBKTM18 Points
8. Massimo BianconciniITALACCRKTM18 Points
9. Romain IzzoFRAFFMYamaha17 Points
10. Hannes Ackermann GERDMSBKTM 7 Points
11. Vanni Oddera ITAACCRKTM 6 Points
12. Kai HaaseGERDMSBSuzuki 6 Points
13. Lukas WeisGERDMSBSuzuki 5 Points
14. Ivan ZucconiITAACCRKTM 5 Points
15. Miki MontiITAACCRYamaha 4 Points

NIGHT of the JUMPs Berlin 2011

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:33:00 +0100

Next Saturday and Sunday, NIGHT of the JUMPs will be causing a mini-quake in Berlin as twelve freestyle motocross stars from six nations contest the second and third rounds of the FIM Freestyle MX World Championship at the O2 World arena.

For the seventh time in the history of NIGHT of the JUMPs, the world's top FMX riders will be going head to head in the German capital. Whereas Berlin has staged the World Championship curtain-raiser in recent years, this year the contestants will arrive with points already in the bag. So with the opening spectacle in Turin two weeks ago having been won by two-time FIM champion Remi Bizouard (FRA), reigning world champion Libor Podmol (CZE) is really feeling the heat. The Czech missed out on the final round in Italy and now needs an outright victory in the German Grand Prix if he is not to lose touch with the early leaders.

But if Remi Bizouard also pulls out all his tricks on the night, including the first 360 on German soil, it will be hard to displace him from the top. Young bucks David Rinaldo (FRA) and Maikel Melero (ESP), together with newcomer Javier Villegas and crowd pleaser Jose Miralles (ESP), will be unleashing the most competitive backflip contest ever witnessed in Germany in an attempt to finish on the podium. Most likely to cause an upset is Rinaldo with his Doublegrab Backflip.

And in the battle for the last six places, four Germans will be hoping for glory on their home turf: Fabian Bauersachs, Hannes Ackermann, Lukas Weis and Kai Haase. They will be pulling out all the stops to please their local supporters by making it through to the final. Planning to spoil the party are Massimo Bianconcini (ITA) and Romain Izzo (FRA). The Italian just missed out on a podium in Turin with his new Cliffhanger Flip. Izzo impressed last time with his repertoire that included a Shaolin and a Cordova Backflip. Unfortunately Red Bull Rider Petr Pilat had to postpone his comeback and will miss the German Grand Prix'.

The sideshows also promise high-octane excitement. In the Maxxis Highest Air and Race & Style Contests, local hero Stefan Bengs will be vying with the world's FMX elite. Jostein Stenberg will be attempting various backflip combinations on a 300kg snowmobile, and 13-year-old FMX youngster Luc Ackermann will be debuting a routine of long jump tricks.

Field of riders:
Remi Bizouard (FRA)
Libor Podmol (CZE)
Jose Miralles (ESP)
Javier Villegas (CHI)
Massimo Bianconcini (ITA)
David Rinaldo (FRA)
Maikel Melero (ESP)
Romain Izzo (FRA)
Fabian Bauersachs (GER/Rödenthal)
Hannes Ackermann (GER/Niederdorla)
Lukas Weis (GER/Munich)
Kai Haase (GER/Berlin)

NIGHT of the JUMPs Turin 2011

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 13:11:00 +0100

On 19th February, the winter silence will be rudely interrupted when twelve freestyle motocross riders rev up their bikes in Turin and stage an incredible display of stunts as part of the latest NIGHT of the JUMPs tour. After a five-year break, the world's greatest FMX series returns to Italy. And the Palasport Olimpico arena in Turin provides the perfect setting for the curtain-raiser to the 2011 FIM Freestyle MX World Championship.

Now into its eleventh year, NIGHT of the JUMPs has lined up the most daring and skilful riders of all time. With the current world champion Podmol Libor (CZE), runner-up Brice Izzo (FRA) and Jose Miralles (ESP), last year's Top Three are back in action. But none of them will be able to rest on their laurels, because the new kids on the block will be aiming to match them for the ingenuity and delivery of their backflip combinations. The challengers led David Rinaldo (FRA) and Maikel Melero (ESP) have been working hard over the winter and intend to dazzle the three NIGHT of the JUMPs alpha males with a veritable fireworks display.

Flying the flag for Italy will be Massimo Bianconcini and Vanni Odera, who will be pulling out all the stops in front of their home crowd to reach the final. And hoping to rain on their parade will be experienced FMX riders Fabian Bauersachs (GER) and Javier Villegas (CHI). Also back in contention after injury is Czech Red Bull FMX prodigy Petr Pilat with his repertoire of crazy flip combinations. But before they can mix it with the big three, they also have to get past Bizouard Remi. The twice world champion from France has fully recovered from last year's injury and has his sights set on new honours.

The sideshows too are guaranteed to produce maximum excitement. In the Highest Air Contest, the riders will be trying to break the world record of 11.00 metres set by Alastair Sayer in 2010. For the first time, the Italian crowd will also have the pleasure of watching the Race & Style Contest which pits two riders against each other for speed and quality of tricks, a new event that has proved highly popular.

2001 saw the birth of the Night of the Jumps. Within 11 years, the series has developed into a 'sportainment' tour that has established itself as the ultimate benchmark for freestyle motocross skills and thrills. It is only at the NIGHT of the JUMPs that world and European champions are crowned. This is where the knights of freestyle motocross earn their spurs and become superstars who are feted around the globe and write their name in the record books. The 2011 season is guaranteed to bring forth new heroes in the annals of NIGHT of the JUMPs. And it is the spectators at the Palasport Olimpico who are set to discover at first hand the identity of these future legends.