X Games Minneapolis 2018 Day One: Vince Byron Grabs His Third Gold in Pacifico BMX Vert

Jul 20, 2018

Written by Bart de Jong

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X Games Minneapolis got underway Thursday evening with more than 14,000 spectators kicking summer into high gear as the top action sports athletes in the world took their talents to the vert ramp for the Pacifico BMX Vert Finals. Now in its second year in Minnesota, X Games Minneapolis looks to continue the proud tradition of not only progressing the possibilities of today’s most popular action sports, but also providing an accessible platform for fan participation and inclusion. With all competitions held at the state of the art U.S. Bank Stadium, the four day event will welcome spectators to watch BMX, skateboard and Moto X athletes compete for gold. Fans will also be treated to a host of attractions at X Fest, which includes interactive games, giveaways and athlete autograph signings, in

addition to the GEICO Music Stage at The Armory with some of today’s hottest musical acts like Kaskade, Brother Ali, Ice Cube and Zedd (in order of appearance).

The bikes took to the vert ramp in the Pacifico BMX Vert Finals with Vince Byron taking his second gold in as many years and his third total in the event. Dealing with a bit of damp weather didn’t slow down the Australian rider as he floated tricks like a explosive flair whip and a massive 540 flair to victory, earning a score of 91.00. Also repeating last year’s performance was the legendary Jamie Bestwick who held on to his stylish first run score of 88.00 for a silver medal. Coming in third was Kentucky’s Zach Newman.

Tomorrow action gets going in a big way, with a total of seven finals including the Next X Skateboard Street and Park, BMX Street, Dave Mirra’s BMX Park Best Trick, Moto X QuarterPipe High Air, The Real Cost BMX Big Air, and the fan-favorite Moto X Freestyle Finals. Festivities conclude with a musical performance by Kaskade after the final competition of the night.

X-Games 2018 Minneapolis, MN. USA.
BMX Vert Final

1. Vince Byron, 91.00 (AUS)
2. Jamie Bestwick, 88.00 (GBR)
3. Zach Newman, 84.00 (USA)
4. Simon Tabron, 83.66 (GBR)
5. Coco Zurita, 83.00 (CHI)
6. Mykel Larrin, 82.66 (USA)
7. Dennis McCoy, 80.66 (USA)
8. Douglas Oliveira, 78.33 (BRA)

Gold - Vince Byron
Silver - Jamie Bestwick
Bronze - Zach Newman

Vince Byron, Pacifico BMX Vert gold medalist.
"It’s always nerve wracking having to wait last to drop in but I had a plan and I stuck to it. Luckily it worked out for me!"

Jamie Bestwick, Pacifico BMX Vert silver medalist.
“Name all my tricks in my run?! I couldn’t even tell you what I ate for dinner tonight!”