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 PodmolCZEACCRSuzuki 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