Turned White

In 2008 Red Bull Elevation saw a change in location and in winners; however it still kept its congenial feature: being the most challenging BMX Dirt Jump competition in the world.

Transferring the magic and the toughness of Red Bull Elevation to other locations. That was mastermind Jay Miron’s intention, who gave the BMX sport new impulses with three progressive Red Bull Elevation tracks in Whistler. Following the new start in Guadalajara, Mexico, Miron’s task can well be seen as successful: Awaiting the international dirt jump elite in Parque Metropolitano was a circuit that made both the bikes and hearts of the athletes jump – and cheering them on was an enthused mass that pushed the riders to an all time high. ‘It was the best crowd I’ve ever performed for,’ said Mike Clark, who came sixth in the contest. But here it should be acknowledged that, in light of the abundance of flips, 720s and barspins, being thrilled was made easy.

Waiting in the wings ...

With the location moved south, the dominance of two riders in Red Bull Elevation also shifted. In 2005 Ryan Nyquist beat Corey Bohan; in 2006 Bohan succeeded Nyquist, and in 2007 Nyquist beat Bohan once more. This year on the other hand the two had to be happy with second and third place respectively. The two of them simply couldn’t keep a reign on Cameron White, whose best Elevation result to date was fifth place. ‘A well-deserved win,’ said Bohan fairly about the success of his Australian compatriot. ‘I’m happy I made it onto the podium.’ Last year’s winner Nyquist got his revenge in the Best Trick contest; the award he received for it was due to an unbeatable cannonbale double barspin.