Listening to: "Vitamin R (Leading Us Along)" - ChevelleHalfway through my time on-line, I forgot that they were showing the X Games on ABC this afternoon, in addition to tonight's showing. Sadly I missed BMX Park, but I did find out that Dave Mirra won. Perhaps I'll post results tomorrow. I did however catch the Freestyle Moto-X finals, part 1 (I think they should've called it the prelims).
The back flip remains a controversial trick b/c what should be rewarded: going big or technicality? The 2 non-flippers, Dustin Miller and Drake McElroy, were at the bottom. Miller should've been scored higher w/ his innovative combos, and McElroy didn't even get much face time on TV. Now I may be slightly biased b/c he's one of my favorites, but he always has a great smooth style and big extensions. The one trick of his that they did show (after cutting back from commercials *rolls eyes*) was his nac-nac, a basic trick that was so beautifully executed. Adam Jones has proved that he's not a rookie anymore by securing a spot in tonight's final round ("Rookie" was his nickname back in the day). Big Air champ Jeremy Stenberg, crazy as always, set a new world record for back flipping over the longest distance, 100'! The dedication/insanity of these guys is mind-blowing. Proof: despite feeling ill, Travis Pastrana threw down some big back flips. More proof: last year's winner Nate Adams broke a toe from a botched landing of his no-handed back flip, but he comes back in his 2nd run to throw a 360 AND a heelclicker back flip over the 100' gap! :o I couldn't believe it b/c he couldn't rev his bike w/o feeling a lot of pain.
Riders who have made it to tonight's final: Adams, Pastrana, Stenberg, Jones, and Kenny Bartram. I can't wait!
Random FMXer quote: "It hurts! Ow, ow!" - Nate Adams can still joke about a broken toe (even though there's some truth behind this).
X Games XI recap 2.5