Monster Energy's Kyle Baldock Takes Gold in BMX Dirt at X Games Austin 2015

Jun 08, 2015

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 5243 times

Monster Energy congratulates Kyle Baldock on his clutch gold today in BMX Dirt at X Games Austin 2015. The final was stacked with stiff competition and windy, difficult conditions, but Baldock came through on his third and final run to take the win, his third-straight gold in the event. In the BMX Dirt finals the riders hit a unique and technical course, with their best of three scores counting. A big step down off an 18’ roll-in started off the course, then the riders faced six features, with a roller in the middle to divide the course in two sections.

Windy conditions all week eased up for today’s final, but inconsistent side winds made it tough to judge jumps and the course. With jumps averaging a 23’ gap and a last hit with a big 9’ lip, the stage was set for an intense battle and huge tricks.

Coming in as the two-time defending dirt gold medalist, Baldock was the favorite today, but his competitors weren’t just going to hand him the win. After two rounds, Baldock was tied with two other riders for the lead at 89.00, technically sitting in 3rd place. He needed a huge score if he wanted to take gold again. Going last and with the pressure on, he delivered.

"It's a gold medal,” said Baldock. “It's something that when you're growing up riding bikes, it's all you think about. Getting to X Games, you're on the best level—everyone is riding their hardest. To come out on top again...amazing."

Highlights include a clean tucked no hander on the first hit, a barspin backflip to late no hander, a triple tailwhip and a big drawn-out no-hand front flip on the last jump. When his score finally dropped, he managed to chalk up a 90.00 and edge out the field for another gold.

Hailing from Australia, Baldock has earned a reputation as an exciting and innovative rider, both in Park and Dirt riding. Coming onto the scene in 2011, he quickly made a name for himself in contests before becoming the reigning king of X Games BMX Dirt. Overall this is his fourth X Games Gold, having also earned the win in BMX Park at X Games Foz do Iguaçu 2013.