Travis Pastrana victorious at Red Bull X-Fighters in Madrid

Travis Pastrana won ahead of Nate Adams and Mathieu Rebeaud. © Jürgen Skarwan. Red Bull Photofiles. For the fifth time, the best freestyle motocross riders in the world flew through Madrids Las Ventas arena. Spain's most revered bullfighting arena was already sold out weeks in advance of the event. The FMX stars pushed the envelope of their scintillating sport and for the second time, US superstar Travis Pastrana won the most exciting FMX event in the world.

The 22-year-old American began by putting in a stunning performance to beat a strong Eigo Sato from Japan in the preliminary round. In the final, contested by the five winners of the head to head round, Pastrana impressed not only the judges with tricks such as a Superman Flip, a Nac Nac Flip, a Heelclicker Flip One Hand Landing and a Superman Indian Flip, but also the 23,000 fans: Travis' 95.5 out of a possible 100 points remained out of reach. Second place went to US titleholder Nate Adams (92 points), ahead of Switzerland's Mat Rebeaud (90.5), Spaniard Dani Torres (90) and Australian Robbie Maddison (81).

"The Red Bull X-Fighters are more fun than any other event," said Pastrana, who had already won in Madrid in 2004 and who recently missed out on victory in Mexico City in March owing to a fall. "It's a great honour for all of us to be able to ride here at all. The atmosphere is unique. The fans in the arena are so close you can even high-five them as you go past."

Nate Adams congratulated his fellow US countryman: "I gave it everything I had. But nobody stands a chance against Travis at the moment. He's simply the best." Mat Rebeaud was "more than happy" with third place. "I injured my hand at the X Games. Being able to compete here at all after my operation was an achievement in itself." Local hero Dani Torres was justly applauded by the fans for a great show, but was disappointed to miss out on a podium finish by half a point.

The evening's moment of shock was down to Ronnie Renner, the American - who opened the competition - suffered a severe fall during a Whip Flip, lay dazed on the ground, but after a few minutes was able to leave the arena on his own two feet.

Madrid was the first time that the preliminary rounds were contested in five straight fights, and one of the five judges acted as the "Voice of the Spectators" for the first time, it was the job of Dakar winner Marc Coma to convert the enthusiasm of the fans - kitted out not just with white rags but also with chain saw motors, as is tradition in Madrid - into points. Coma was president of the jury, which included Jimmy Verburgh, trial star Adam Raga and Drake McElroy alongside head judge Andy Bell.
(Red Bull X Fighters)

---