BMX Motorcycle Mania

By Anton Jdanov, Alexander Okunev and Anis Boroznova

Moscow's center recently appeared overrun by motorbikes and bikers in town for the freestyle Red Bull X-Fighters motocross competition. This year was the first time the competition—the crème-de-la-crème of the international FMX bike scene— brought its monumental championship to Russia's capital. The city hosted the world's 12 best freestyle motocross athletes, who appeared to electrify the crowd.

Moscow has a new place in the Bull X-Fighters schedule along with the traditional curtain raiser in Mexico City and the legendary two-day event in the Spanish capital of Madrid.

Last year it was America's Nate Adams who claimed the title in front of a sell-out crowd of 20,000 at London's Battersea Power Station following a thrilling season full of twists and turns. This time around, "The Destroyer" Adams is back to try to defend his title and secure his place as one of the all-time greats of Red Bull X-Fighters.

Among his most dangerous challengers will be multi-world record holder Robbie Maddison (AUS), who will be looking to finally secure victory in the overall standings after placing third and second, respectively, in 2008 and 2009.

Under the simple rules, each player gets just 90 seconds, after which he is given a certain number of points: the harder the trick, the better the result.

In Moscow, however, there was an exciting upset: New Zealander Levi Sherwood, 18, won the race. Veteran and 2009 X-Fighters title holder Nate Adams finished second, while round one winner Andre Villa rounded out the top three.

Red Bull X-Fighters Schedule

June 26th, 2010 - Moscow (RUS) Red Square / Kremlin
July 23rd, 2010 - Madrid (SPA) Plaza de Toros de las Ventas
August 14th, 2010 - London (GBR) Battersea Power Station

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