X Games Brazil Results: April 28, 2008

theshrew19

• April 28 2008
• 583 views
• add a comment

Day 1 Press Release From ESPN
Fans Fill The Sambodromo do Anhembi As X Games Brazil Kicks Off In Sao Paulo

A Total of 17,861 in Attendance For The First Day Of Competition

Sao Paulo, Brazil ˆ The inaugural X Games Brazil kicked off today in Sao Paulo as 17,861 screaming fans welcomed a world-class, international field of action sports athletes. The first day of competition showcased some of the world‚s best action sports athletes competing in BMX Street, BMX Vert, Skateboard Street and Moto X Best Trick at the Sambodromo do Anhembi in Sao Paulo.

“We knew bringing the X Games to Sao Paulo would be big, but today significantly exceeded all of our expectations,‰ said Rick Alessandri, Senior Vice President, ESPN Consumer Products and X Games Franchise Managing Director. “The fans in attendance were treated to spectacular performances by all our athletes.”

BMX Freestyle Street Final
While Leandro Moreira of Brazil received the loudest ovation from his hometown, it was USA riders Garrett Reynolds, Sean Sexton, and Aaron Ross that swept the podium with several difficult combinations including Reynolds‚ gold medal run which consisted of a no hander to ice pick grind, and then landing a 720 to flat at the buzzer.

“It was awesome to win this contest because we had such a high level of guys competing,” said gold medalist Garrett Reynolds. “Brazil is great and the fans were amazing.”

Skateboard Street Final
The fast pace of the Skateboard Street competition maintained the day‚s momentum following the BMX Street Final. As the sea of spectators stayed glued to their seats, well-known Brazilian skater Lucas Carvalho showed why he was the hometown favorite as he flexed his skate street dominance by landing a big switch 180 off the double staircase. Brazil swept the podium when Rodolfo Ramos took home the silver and Paulo Correa won the bronze. “Winning a gold medal at the first X Games Brazil is sensational,” said Carvalho. “It was great to win in Brazil.”

Moto X Best Trick Final
The crowd kept up its momentum with the wave as the final competition concluded the evening. Although all of the Moto X Best Trick competitors received roars of approval from the fans, American rider Todd Potter took the gold medal with his best trick, a Cliff Hanger Backflip. Greg Hartman took home the silver medal and Brice Izzo won the bronze.

“The competitors, the course, and the fans were all incredible,” said Potter. “I hope I can come back to Brazil next year.”

BMX Freestyle Vert Elimination
Simon Tabron secured the top spot going in to the final. Zack Warden placed second and Jimmy Walker finished in third.

Final Day Press Release From ESPN
X Games Brazil Concludes With A Sell Out Crowd At The Sambodromo do Anhembi

Final Day Draws 20,000 Spectators With A Weekend Total of 44,626 In Attendance

Sao Paulo, Brazil ˆ X Games Brazil concluded today in Sao Paulo as 20,000 fans packed the Sambodromo do Anhembi to watch some of the world‚s best action sports athletes compete in BMX Freestyle Vert, Skateboard Vert and Moto X Step Up. “The excitement at X Games Brazil this weekend reaffirmed the passion and continuing demand for action sports in Brazil,” said Rick Alessandri, Senior Vice President and X Games Franchise Managing Director. “We are thrilled with the success of the event and look forward to a long future here in Sao Paulo.”

Skateboard Vert Final
Bob Burnquist, Digo Menezes, and Lincoln Ueda demonstrated why skateboarding is practically a national pastime in Brazil as they swept the podium. All three amazed the fans with a variety of spins, huge boosts, and kickflips as they soared in the air. In the end, it was Burnquist who  edged out his fellow countrymen with his last run comprising of a fakie 180 blunt to 180 end, then throwing a huge frontside 540. Brazilian competitor Digo Menezes launched high out of the vert ramp attempting difficult maneuvers such as a Stalefish 720, earning him silver. While crowds also cheered for Lincoln Ueda‚s massive airs as well. Sandro Dias executed numerous high flying Christ-Airs and made multiple attempts at the 900 spin. Dias was unable to successfully pull the 900 during the competition but did land a 900 shortly after the contest was over. “Digo, Lincoln and I have skated together since we were children and we all wanted to put on a good showing here at home” said Burnquist.  ”The vibe and energy of Brazilians is the best in the world and the fans kept us going.”

BMX Freestyle Vert Final
Simon Tabron of Great Britain, and USA riders Zack Warden and Jimmy Walker contended for the gold with intense energy in the BMX Freestyle Vert Final. The three were the dominant riders in the head-to-head jam format with the crowd erupting into cheers as all the riders attempted to one-up each other run after run. In the last moment of the contest, Tabron pulled a 720 to lock up the gold and the top spot on the podium. Zack Warden earned the silver and Jimmy Walker took home the bronze.  

Moto X Step Up Final
Past two-time X Games Step Up gold medalist Matt Buyten claimed gold in the Moto X Step Up competition, finishing with a height of 22 feet. Last night‚s Moto X Best Trick gold medalist Todd Potter finished in second at 21.5 feet and Kyle Loza earned the bronze after just missing an attempt at 21 feet. “It was amazing to compete in Brazil. The crowd was so enthusiastic and I‚m extremely happy to walk away with the gold,” said Buyten.