Simon Tabron, Bob Burnquist Win at X Games Brazil
April 28, 2008 – 12:22 am PT by GregTags: Bob Burnquist, Simon Tabron, X Games Brazil, Zack Warden —
Brazilians dominated the skate vert finals of the first-ever X Games Brazil, following in the footsteps of their Skate Street brethren. Bob Burnquist led the field, followed by Digo Menezes. Sandro Dias and Lincoln Ueda battled for the bronze, with Dias’ inability to land the 900 during the competition (he landed it after his run completed) opened the door for Ueda to take third. Worth noting was the finish of Karen Jones (also of Brazil) in 18th… Check out the full results at the end of this post.
In BMX Vert, Simon Tabron showed again why he is one of the best riders in the world (when Jamie Bestwick doesn’t show up). Tabron edged the young, exciting Zack Warden and Jimmy Walker in a three-man jam final.
There was also another FMX event — step up. Matt Buyten won, followed by Todd Potter and Kyle Loza.
For the full results, along with some quotes from winners and ESPN PR, check out the full press release below.
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 – 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.
ABOUT ESPN’s X GAMES FRANCHISE
ESPN, The Worldwide Leader in Action Sports, first developed its X Games franchise in 1995. Part of ESPN Content Development, X Games, Winter X Games and All Access are just some of the original action sports programming currently shown on ESPN and ESPN2. In addition to the two U.S.-based events, ESPN has held X Games competitions and demonstration events around the world including Dubai, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico, Korea, Malaysia and Spain. The global franchise has also expanded its reach to EXPN.com, the definitive site for action sports fans, and to consumer products such as X Games bikes, protective gear, skateboards and DVDs.
ESPN will produce 15 hours of original programming from X Games Brazil. A total of 9 hours of live programming will air on Brazil’s two ESPN television networks, ESPN and ESPN Brazil as well as air throughout Latin America. Six one hour highlight shows will air on ESPN Brazil and ESPN networks in Latin America after the event. Complete coverage of the event will be provided on ESPN Brazil’s news and information programs, and live streaming video from X Games Brazil will be featured on EXPN.com and ESPN 360.
ABOUT Reunion Sports Marketing
Founded in 1992, ReUnion Sports Marketing is one of the largest sports marketing agencies in Brazil, and a pioneer in the management of race car drivers. With the growth and success of the company’s activities in the auto racing business, ReUnion launched new lines of business, supporting some of the most important companies in the country. In 2007, ReUnion joined the ABC group of companies, whose major stockholder is international ad guru Nizan Guanaes, as the corporation’s internal sports marketing advertising agency. That same year ReUnion and ESPN Brazil agreed to bring the X Games Franchise to São Paulo in 2008. www.reunion.com.br
Sponsors and Partners
X Games Brazil is sponsored by Parmalat, Guaraná, Honda, Ipiranga, Oi, and the City of Sao Paulo.
X Games Brazil is co-organized by Reunion, the largest sports marketing company in Brazil.
For the general public to get information on the event, log on to http://www.xgames.com.br
Full Results - Day Two Games Brazil - 4/27/08
BMX VERT
1. Simon Tabron
2. Zach Warden
3. Jimmy Walker
4. Koji Kraft
5. Tom Stober
6. Coco Zurita
7. Jay Eggleston
8. Jan Valenta
9. Zach Shaw
10. Pedro Reginaldo
11. Dave Brumlow
12. Andre Timofezeras
13. Ednilson Rodriguez
14. Clayton Araujo
15. Christian Balmaceda
16. Martin Postigo
17. Ruben Luna
18. Oliver Cantillo
19. Evandro da Silva
20. Alessandro Lima Terres
SKATE VERT
1. Bob Burnquist
2. Digo Menezes
3. Lincoln Ueda
4. Sandro Dias
5. Adam Taylor
6. Macelo Bastos
7. Neal Hendrix
8. Cristiano Mateus
9. Anthony Furlong
10. Vitor Simao
11. Mizeal Simao
12. Marcelo Kosake
13. Danitz Costa
14. Otavio Neto
15. Lecio Da Silva
16. Edgard Pereira
17. Sergio Negao
18. Karen Jones
19. Valter Vale
20. Marco Aurelio
MOTO X STEP UP
1. Matt Buyten
2. Todd Potter
3. Kyle Loza
4. Brice Izzo
5. Derek Garland
