Following a back to back showdown of rising BMX talent, the Vans BMX Pro Cup concluded the second regional qualifier rounds earlier today to secure a final field of 31 riders to compete Sunday, May 7 at the infamous El Málaga Skatepark. Surpassing more than 80 international BMX hopefuls in the open prelims rounds, Australia’s Chris James soared above the rest, showcasing massive airs and back to back technical tricks to clench a triumphant win, taking home the first-place prize of $1,000 USD and the coveted invite to the Vans BMX Pro Cup World Championships in California. Not far behind, Maxime Charveron, better known as the “Flying Frenchman”, demonstrated clean 360 maneuvers and giant transfers to earn him second place, while UK native Ben Wallace’s
€2000,= Euros for first, €1300,= Euros for second and €1000,= Euros for third at a contest we've never heard of before. Urban Waters took place in the South of France and these three happy campers made it to the podium to collect a very decent check for their effort.
Results Urban Water Contest Patinoire de Marseille - Palais Omnisports, France:
1. Justin Fouque (FRA)
2. Thomas Benedetti (FRA)
3. Jack Clark (GBR)
Having something to ride nearby is magic. It might take forever to get a spot or a ramp going, but by showing the city that there is a scene that needs a place to ride, you can get things done. The hard part is not to give up. These plans take longer than you want, always. In the meantime you can gather more riders to get behind you. In a world where more and more kids spend time behind the game consul, TV, ipad or with a phone in their hand, it's time to let them play outside. Thankfully we got a dirt spot in Brandevoort and a concrete park right next to it. If I open the front door I can almost see it, it's that close.
Once you have your spot it needs to be maintained. That falls back in your lap. The concrete park doesn't need much effort. An outdoor dirt spot however does need some love from time to time. Next to that, throwing a jam from time to time is a good idea. It gets people motivated to get the jumps and turns back in shape and it brings the scene back together. For people who have to come from far, they know the trails are in good shape for a nice session that day. Also the local community gets to see what those 'piles of dirt' are actually for.
The annual Flame Trails jam took place on 9 April on the sunniest day of the year. It was an afternoon full of dirt jumping with little goodies for the riders that were supplied by the supporters of the jam (Haro Bikes/TwinAir). Riders were pushed to take it a little further than normal and basically everyone
In all the years of doing the FATJAM afterparty at OJA we can't recall ever doing a BMX award show. Since the year was young it was time for the 2017 Cups to be handed out on Saturday 1 April. Loads of people were nominated, but not everyone won. With Beckers supporting the award night with another 240 frikandellen, and cheap Bavaria beers from OJA, the vibe was good early on. A bit of improvising was needed to hand out all the cups but we got ourselves winners in multiple categories. And the winners are.....
1 Best BMX-drinker of 2017: Steven Görtemöller
2 Best Sugarhills volunteer of 2017: Dominique v/d Heijden
It was time to dust off the BMX bike for a session at the Sugar Hills because the Mini FATJAM was on the program. For a bunch of people it is that way. And that's fine. It shows that the Mini FATJAM is a reason to go ride again, together with those who think the same way. The jumps had been prepared for the same reason, because the Mini FATJAM was coming up. The jam gets people together and back on the bike and also this year we had support from Vans, Paul's Boutique, Haro Bikes so we could give out goodies to those who took the effort to come over to Aarle-Rixtel and put a few laps in. Also, for the first time in FATJAM history, we had Beckers as a sponsor of the event. They make the best Frikandellen (way better than Mora) and everyone present could get himself a
Vans concluded the second annual BMX Street Invitational at Off The Wall Skatepark in Huntington Beach where the world’s most talented BMX street riders battled for top honors and a chance to take home a piece of the $25,000 cash purse. With a stacked field of thirty-two competitors, the bar was set high by New Jersey’s Garrett Reynolds who claimed victory, taking home first place and $5,000 for his innovative tricks and dynamic riding.
“Today was my first time riding this park, it’s an awesome facility and everything about the park is perfect” exclaims Garrett. “To be out here riding with my friends and watching everyone progress is my passion, this is what I live for.”
Speed, height, power and originality were in full force today, as the inaugural Vans BMX Pro Cup Series Global Qualifier re-commenced an intense BMX competition in Manly Beach, Australia despite severe weather delays. Beginning with a field of over 30 competitors, Spain’s Sergio Layos seizes the Vans BMX Pro Cup Sydney title, winning first place for executing flawless trick combinations and colossal airs with lightning speed throughout the custom-spec park terrain course. Not far behind him, contest warrior and BMX icon Dennis Enarson placed 2nd, delivering his signature performance, blasting through runs with effortless style and explosive lines. In a well-deserved 3rd place, Larry Edgar surprised all with his fearless momentum, consistency, and creativity, also earning him the LUX Best Trick award for his tuck no-hander to table hip transfer, over the spine.
SUM UP of the Vans BMX pro cup: This year, beautiful Manly beach was welcoming the very first international BMX competition in Australia in the context of the Vans BMX Pro Cup series. Manly represents the first stop of the tour, next Spain and Mexico. To start well this new tour, some of the best names in the industry had been invited; Pat Casey, Kevin Peraza, Alex Hiam to name a few....
Last week the regional qualifications already showed a great level from riders highly motivated to take part in this brand new event and to challenge riders invited from the US and Europe. This in a bowl designed and made especially for the occasion. The riders kicked it off during the semi-finals last Friday, but unfortunately the bad weather interrupted the event before the end.