FMX World Championship in Berlin

Review by Bianca Bafitis, photography by Emma Svensson

Note: The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of RetoxMagazine.com

FMX World Championship in Berlin

FMX World Championship in Berlin. Image by Emma Svensson

Last Friday and Saturday, the 2012 NIGHT of the JUMPS Freestyle MX World Championships made a stop at the O2 arena in Berlin, Germany. More than 20,000 intense German fans made it to watch such motocross super figures like Javier Villegas, Remi Bizouard, Brice Izzo and Libor Podmol.

What happened was nothing short of respectable feats of humanity. This is the biggest international motocross tournament in the world, so the competition is suitably steep.

From seven countries came twelve heavy contenders all vying for top spot in the 3rd and 4th round of the FIM Freestyle MX World Championships. While I’m no motocross expert, judging from fan response, it was clear to see who the favorites were.

First you have Javier Villegas, winner of last year’s championships. Hailing from Chile, this guy owned the stadium. I’m sure his jumps had cool names like the Backward-Flip Serial-Killer but what was also noticeable was crowd response. He performed his jumps so naturally that you’d forget how insane they actually were. He pushed the limit of gravity-defying skills and you could see how Villegas earned last year’s trophy.

But is that enough to carry him to an eventual win? Unlikely. While he performed some truly amazing stunts, enough to qualify him top place for Saturday’s round, he’s still ranked in 5th place overall.

Then you have 22 year-old Frenchman Remi Bizouard. This guy started riding MX when he was 10 years old. You can spot him because he’s the one always smiling. He just looks like he’s having pure fun out there, going through the track with an explosive energy. No surprise that he’s in the lead to win this year with a 10-point lead ahead of the closest competition, Libor Podmol.

Night of the Jumps FMX World Championship in Berlin. Pictured: Remi Bizouard.

The night continued on with the highest jump contests, tricks, and even some lady dancers fire-breathing. The whole stadium was electric and more than once I found myself participating in a crowd wave. I left the O2 arena a possible motocross convert.

The NIGHT of the JUMPS Freestyle MX World Championships continues on to Basel, Switzerland April 13-14th. But be still my heart, for they return to Germany (Munich) on April 28th for the final event.

Night of the Jumps FMX World Championship in Berlin. Pictured: motocross stars performing stunts.

Night of the Jumps FMX World Championship in Berlin: motocross stars performing stunts.