Palacio de los Deportes and Sold-Out Skateboard Street Venue Filled with Roaring Crowd
Mexico City, Mexico The first day of competition at X Games Mexico kicked off in Mexico City today as an enthusiastic crowd of 10,730 greeted the world-class group of international athletes. Fans celebrated the second year of the event as they watched final competitions in Skateboard Street, Moto X Best Trick and Moto X Step Up at the Palacio de los Deportes.
We are very pleased to bring X Games Mexico back to our city for a second consecutive year, said Gerardo Casanova, managing director, ESPN Mexico. The success of todays events is proof of the ever-growing action sports fan-base in the city and I am looking forward to even more energy and excitement tomorrow.
Skateboard Street Final
A sold out venue drew crowds of enthusiastic, cheering fans who filled the stands as skate competitors dazzled with spins, kickflips and gravity-defying tricks. The international lineup included athletes from Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and the US. However, it was the Americans that swept the podium in the competition. Greg Lutzka defended his 2007 X Games Mexico gold medal by stomping tricks on virtually every course feature. His front side 270 noseblunt was what wowed the judges and earned him a winning score of 92.07.
Its really good to be back here in Mexico. I couldnt believe how many people were out there cheering us on, said Lutzka. All these guys killed it, but Chaz Ortiz is the new kid to check out youll be seeing more of him. Everyone treats us so well around the world at these different competitions and its just a pleasure to be here. Im psyched.
Silver medal went to 14-year-old Ortiz who showcased his smooth and aggressive style in an impressive run that included an ollie big spin over bump-to-bump and kickflip back lip over handrail.
Its my first time in Mexico City and my first X Games ever, so I couldnt ask for anything more. It is an honor for me to be here, said Ortiz on his podium finish. He finished with a score of 91.60.
First-time X Games Mexico competitor Tyler Hendley earned the bronze medal with a score of 85.47.
Moto X Best Trick
The sea of spectators shifted their focus to the arena as X Games 14 Best Trick silver medalist Jeremy Lusk dominated the Best Trick field with a kiss of death back flip. In his second X Games Mexico appearance, Lusk responded to the crowds cheers and earned a score of 92.00.
It feels really good to win. The fans here are pumped up and appreciate that were here. I watched my opponents in practice today and stuck with tricks I knew I could land, said Lusk on what gave him the advantage in todays competition.
Adam Jones took home the silver medal with his second jump, a dead body backflip that earned him a score of 90.67, but also stunned the crowd with his first jump, his signature Shaolin backflip.
Todd Potter rounded out the competition with the bronze medal and a score of 90.00.
Moto X Step Up
Ronnie Renner edged out his competitors in his X Games Mexico debut as he successfully launched himself 9.14 meters (29.99 feet) into the air and over the bar.
I came here to take the gold and wasnt leaving Mexico City without it. People here are amazing, and its an honor to come here and ride for the people. To hear them cheering is a real inspiration to win, said Renner.
X Games Mexico will wrap up tomorrow with BMX Freestyle Street, Moto X Freestyle and Best Whip finals.
About ESPNs 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 ESPN 2. 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 Mexico and ESPN International will air 2.5 hours of LIVE X Games Mexico coverage daily Saturday September 20 and Sunday September 21. Five hours of original programming will air on ESPN Dos. In addition, X Games Mexico will be LIVE on ESPN in Brazil and on tape delay on ESPN Deportes. ESPN2 in the USA will also air a one-hour highlight program.
Visit the official websites www.xgames.com/mexico for the most current X Games Mexico information and www.ticketmaster.com for ticketing information.
Sponsors and Partners
X Games Mexico is sponsored by Modelo Light, Telcel, Lala Shot, Vans, Bansefi and Telemex, and is co-organized by OCESA, the largest entertainment company in Latin America.
9/22/2008 9:53am
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