5-15-07 // Events: Qashqai Urban Challenge In Milan
Lance McDermott with a HUGE 360-whip
Carroux.com
The freeride movement began with a bunch of riders who were over the race scene and just wanted to ride their bikes wherever. Ten years later the next generation of mountain bike misfits has rediscovered competition, but it’s been completely redefined. The Qashqai Urban challenge is unlike any other event. A touring band of freeride, street and dirt jumping’s elite battling it out for cold cash and a new car as they travel to a handful of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Unlike most World Cup events that are held at ski resort, Qashqai truly is bringing mountain bikes to the people by choosing these urban locales. This week, Qashai stopped in Milan, Italy for a dirt jump competition that pushed the rider’s abilities and imaginations to new levels. Here are the event highlights.
Andreu Lacondeguy was the top qualifier for the Qashqai dirt jumping event in Milan. The other eleven finalists made every attempt to unseat Lacondeguy, starting with Trond Hansen, who front flipped the middle jump in his first run and followed it with a 720 attempt.
- advertisement -
After Trond’s first run, the level of riding was set at an all-time high. Lluis Lacondeguy, Darren Pokoj and Brandon Semenuk all followed Trond with good style and perfect tricks. Paul Basagoitia was the next rider on the list and he continued to push the level of riding. He started with a flip on the first jump, into a three-table on the second, followed by a perfect 360-tailwhip on the last jump.
Benny Korthaus, Darren Berrecloth and Greg Watts all came through with solid first final runs, combining multiple tricks into each jump, like a 360-tailwhip, 360-barspin and a superman to no-foot can. Most riders in the first round of the finals were able to come through with good runs with top tricks, which meant that the next two rounds would have to be even more ridiculous in order to reach the podium.
Round two was out of control. The riders were attempting huge tricks on the jumps, pushing their own levels to stay on top of the competition. Paul Basagoitia came through in the second round like a dream. He flipped the first jump and three-tabled the second jump (just like his first run), but then found the speed to launch an absolutely perfect 720 on the last jump.
After landing the 720, Paul was jumping up and down, hyping the crowd and celebrating. Everyone was anxious to see which other riders would be able to step up to the level of Paul Basagoitia. Lance McDermott was ready for Paul however. He flipped the first set, front flipped the second jump and then landed a three-whip to complete his run. By this point the crowd was going insane and screaming for more.
Here's the fastest way to bring home the only magazine that takes its readers on a ride. You'll discover the best places to ride, how to get there, and valuable travel tips with Bike Magazine-- at no risk! During this special online offer, you can get a TRIAL ISSUE and receive 7 more (a total of 8 issues) for only $11.97 - you save over $19 off the cover price!
Add Comment