2013 FIM Freestyle MX World Championship NIGHT of the JUMPS Results
The FIM Freestyle MX World Championship launched into a new season on Saturday in the context of NIGHT of the JUMPS in Lithuania. Eleven of the world’s top freestyle motocross riders gathered in the Zalgirio Arena in Lithuania for the first Grand Prix event of the year.
The southernmost of the three Baltic States was making its debut entry in the freestyle motocross world atlas. Spanish FMX torero Dany Torres was also celebrating a NIGHT of the JUMPS premiere, contesting the world championship for the first time.
Torres made an immediate impression, dominating qualification along with Remi Bizouard and David Rinaldo. With Torres’ signature 1-Hand Seatgrab Indy Backflip and his Paris Hilton flip, the fans were treated to not one but two new NIGHT of the JUMPS tricks. Undismayed, reigning champion Bizouard still qualified ahead of the field with his usual box of tricks. David Rinaldo’s repertoire was also impressive, taking him through in third place.
Joining the lead trio in the finals were 2012 world championship runner-up Libor Podmol, Petr Pilat and Maikel Melero. Relegated to the role of spectators this time were Brice Izzo (FRA), Jose Miralles (ESP), Matin Koren (CZE) and the German FMX contingent of Kai Haase and Hannes Ackermann.
The absence of reigning Maxxis Highest Air champion Massimo Bianconcini left the field free for Kai Haase and the Spanish duo of Jose Miralles and Maikel Melero. The German rider cleared the bar at 8.5 metres to take the trophy on the night for the first time in his career. Haase also made it through to the final of the ROCKWELL Time Whip Contest where he found himself up against Remi Bizouard and Jose Miralles. Here too, the German took the honours, thrilling the crowd with some really extreme whips.
The final then turned into the ultimate showdown between Dany Torres and Remi Bizouard, with all the other riders virtually reduced to the role of bit players. Maikel Melero and David Rinaldo were perhaps trying too hard not to be overshadowed by their more illustrious compatriots, which may explain the dead sailors for both riders on their final runs. Petr Pilat moved up to fourth place after putting together an improved run.
Podmol’s underflip combinations were good enough to secure him the remaining podium spot. But even so, his performance was little more than an appetiser for the duel between Dany and Remi. The Spaniard delved deeper in the final, pulling out Lazyboy Flip, Cliffhanger Flip and 360. Bizouard then countered with a 360 and a perfect Cliffhanger Flip. The reigning world champion then wrapped up victory with his Rulerflip.
With this triumph in the first ever freestyle motocross Grand Prix to be held in Lithuania, World Champion Bizouard has got his title defence off to a great start, taking an immediate lead in the FIM Freestyle MX World Championship. His latest challenger, second-placed Dany Torres, is on 18 points followed by Libor Podmol on 16. It’s still early days, though, and the standings could be completely reshuffled next weekend when the FMX stars contest rounds 2 and 3 of the World Championship at the o2 World arena in Berlin (March 8/9).
Lithuania NIGHT of the JUMPs/FIM Freestyle MX World Championships Results:
Results NIGHT of the JUMPs – Final
1. Remi Bizouard         FRA   FFM      Kawasaki   391 Points
2. Dany Torres         ESP   RFME      KTM      383 Points
3. Libor Podmol         CZE   ACCR      Yamaha   370 Points
4. Petr Pilat         CZE   ACCR      KTM      333 Points
5. Maikel Melero         ESP   RFME      KTM      297 Points
6. David Rinaldo         FRA   FFM      Yamaha   289 Points
Results Qualification
1. Remi Bizouard         FRA   FFM      Kawasaki   342 Points
2. Dany Torres         ESP   RFME      KTM      339 Points
3. David Rinaldo         FRA   FFM      Yamaha   336 Points
4. Libor Podmol         CZE   ACCR      Yamaha   328 Points
5. Petr Pilat         CZE   ACCR      KTM      306 Points
6. Maikel Melero         ESP   RFME      KTM      305 Points
7. Brice Izzo         FRA   FFM      Yamaha   303 Points
8. Jose Miralles         ESP   RFME      KTM      299 Points
9. Martin Koren         CZE   ACCR      KTM      270 Points
10. Kai Haase         GER   DMSB      Suzuki      220 Points
11. Hannes Ackermann      GER   DMSB      KTM      198 Points
Results ROCKWELL Time Whip Contest
1. Kai Haase         GER   DMSB      Suzuki
2. Remi Bizouard         FRA   FFM      Kawasaki
3. Jose Miralles         ESP   RFME      KTM
Results MAXXIS Highest-Air
1. Kai Haase         GER   DMSB      Suzuki      8,50 Meters
2. Jose Miralles         ESP   RFME      KTM      8,00 Meters
Maikel Melero         ESP   RFME      KTM      8,00 Meters
FIM Freestyle MX World Championships Ranking (after 1st contest)
1. Remi Bizouard         FRA   FFM      Kawasaki   20 Points
2. Dany Torres         ESP   RFME      KTM      18 Points
3. Libor Podmol         CZE   ACCR      Yamaha   16 Points
4. Petr Pilat         CZE   ACCR      KTM      14 Points
5. Maikel Melero         ESP   RFME      KTM      12 Points
6. David Rinaldo         FRA   FFM      Yamaha   10 Points
7. Brice Izzo         FRA   FFM      Yamaha    9 Points
8. Jose Miralles         ESP   RFME      KTM       8 Points
9. Martin Koren         CZE   ACCR      KTM       7 Points
10. Kai Haase         GER   DMSB      Suzuki       6 Points
11. Hannes Ackermann      GER   DMSB      KTM       5 Points