Maria Forsberg Wins Her First X Games Gold in Women’s Moto X Enduro X

 

In her first X Games, Maria Forsberg out battled her competition and the
elements of the Enduro X course to grab her first gold medal in
inaugural Moto X Enduro X competition at X Games 17.

 

“It was really challenging because all the girls out here are really
good riders,” the Seattle, Wash. native said. “Enduro cross is about
consistency so I tried to just stay on the bike as much as I could.”

 

That consistency helped Forsberg maneuver around the course and other
riders – some who had fallen or were stuck – crossing the finish line
more than a minute ahead of Puerto Rico’s Tarah Gieger.

 

“It was definitely an adventure,” Gieger, who also received silver in
Moto X Racing, said. “It started off good in practice when the course
was dry, but when they added the water it turned the whole race around. 
It was really hard to get around and the way that I was racing it
wasn’t getting it done.  I just fought hard to the end and came out with
second place”.

 

The bronze medalist Kacy Martinez jumped out to a quick lead to start
the race, but was passed by Forsberg after she had trouble navigating
the rock hill portion of the track.

 

“I just can’t explain it, the X Games were awesome and I can’t believe I am coming home with a medal,” Martinez added. 

 

Making its debut at X Games 17, Enduro X features riders showcasing
their talent on an all-terrain obstacle course.  Riders race through
sand, mud, logs, rocks and other terrain features in a blend of
motocross racing and traditional Enduro, battling not only each other
but also the challenging course.

 

For X Games media information, including press releases, logos and additional images from past events, log on to www.espneventmedia.com. To view medalist runs, visit the Winter X Games You Tube Channel – http://www.youtube.com/xgamesand follow the X Games on Twitter at Twitter.com/xgames

 

X Games 17

In its ninth year in Los Angeles, X Games 17 will feature more than 200
athletes at competition venues and event spaces including STAPLES Center
and Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE. The 17th annual action sports competition
to be held in Los Angeles July 28 – 31 and will debut the new discipline
of Enduro X, as well as the first-ever rally street circuit running
through the downtown area. ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC will combine to telecast
25 hours of live X Games 17 competition. In addition to the 25  original
hours in high definition, the Worldwide Leader in Action Sports will
also televise 21 hours of X Games action on ESPN 3D. More than 29 hours
will also be distributed on ESPN3.com.