Byron, Gagnon take the honors
Print Edition
BMX cyclist Vince Byron and Canadian skateboarder Pierre-Luc Gagnon were crowned champions of the Vert at the Kia World Extreme Games in Shanghai yesterday.
Each BMX riders made four 30-second runs with the best score counted. Last year’s gold medalist in both mini mega and vert, Byron not only defended his title, but also landed the first ever 540 flair. It’s also his fifth straight title on vert. UK’s Simon Tabron and Mykel Larrin of the US placed second and third respectively.
“I have been working on the 540 flair for some time now, and I’m psyched that I got it done here for the Shanghai fans,” Byron said about his record-making feat at his eighth appearance in Shanghai.
The 48-year-old American rider Dennis McCoy stopped a few heartbeats when he landed awkwardly and hit his head on the vert during first-round action.
McCoy lost consciousness and was rushed to Shanghai East Hospital. The organizers later announced that McCoy was not seriously hurt.
On the skateboard vert, Gagnon took the top spot in Tuesday’s qualifier to get into yesterday’s final. His huge technical lip tricks and flips, including the 360 flip mute to fakie and switch 360 heelflip helped him clinch the gold. American skater Jono Schwan and Paul-Luc Ronchetti of UK finished in second and third.
It is the first time that the World Extreme Games is being held in front of the landmark Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower, and its purpose of attracting more fans seems to be paying off.
Apart from the enthusiastic spectators by the side of the U-shaped Vert, tourists and fans also got a good look at the action from the pedestrian bridge in Pudong’s Lujiazui area.
“This is a real cool event and a bonus for tourists in Shanghai,” a college student Zou Feng told Shanghai Daily yesterday. Zou was in the locality with two of his Spanish friends and enjoyed the event from the bridge.
“I know this event was held in Shanghai before, but never watched it. It’s like a big party here!” Zou said.
But other competitions will be held at the event’s traditional venue, KIC Jiangwan Sports Center in Yangpu District, from May 1 to May 3.
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