Press Release

Top International Athletes Dominate X Games Mexico

Close Margins, Bar Spins and Best Whips Conclude Two-Day Event


Mexico City, Mexico – X Games Mexico concluded today as energetic fans filled the Palacio de los Deportes to watch the world’s best international athletes compete in the BMX Freestyle Final, Moto X Freestyle Final and Moto X Best Whip Final. More than 19,000 riveted fans attended over the weekend. The Americans brought their top form and swept the podium in all of the Final competitions.


“The energy from the fans this weekend, after watching some of the world’s best action sports athletes, is evidence of Mexico’s growing demand for action sports,” said Rick Alessandri, senior vice president, ESPN consumer products and X Games managing director. “The support we have received over the past two years from sponsors and city officials has quickly elevated X Games Mexico to a world-class event and we are looking forward to continuing our relationship for years to come.”


BMX Freestyle Street

The fast-paced BMX Freestyle Street Final competition carried the weekend’s momentum as fans cheered for athletes from the USA and the only Latin-American competitor, Argentine Christian Balmaceda. Although Balmaceda did not make the winners podium, the crowd chanted and cheered on their Latin-American representative. Whistles, cheers and gasps echoed through the West Pavillion as the X Games 14 bronze medalist Sean Sexton and five-time X Games gold medalist Garrett Reynolds engaged in a head-to-head battle for the gold. While both riders executed big airs, barspins and tail whips that tied them at a score of 91.00, Sexton’s second score was the tiebreaker. Having recently won a bronze medal at X Games 14, he was able to up his own performance here in Mexico to take home the gold. The bronze medal went to 2007 X Games Mexico silver medalist Aaron Ross who rounded out the competition with an 87.93. Ross claimed a spot on the podium using borrowed BMX bikes from Corey Martinez!

and Nathan Williams after his own bike blew out a tire in the first heat.


“I was ecstatic to hear the crowd cheer us on when our names were called. It was a lot of fun riding with my friends and winning gold is just the cherry on top,” said Sexton.


Moto X Freestyle

Spectators in the Palacio de los Deportes were immersed in the action of the Moto X Freestyle Final, as roars, cheers and “the wave” broke out around the arena to encourage the riders. X Games 14 gold medalist Jeremy Lusk captured his second gold of the weekend as he continuously pushed the limits of the sport with tricks including two that earned him the gold in Best Trick last night – a “Hart-attack back flip” and an “Indian Air Flip.” Lusk finished with a score of 92.67. X Games 13 gold medalist Adam Jones also captured his second silver medal of the weekend behind Lusk with a score of 92.33, while the bronze medal went to X Games 14 bronze medalist Mike Mason who earned a score of 89.33.


“It feels great to win gold. Everyone has their day. The level of our sport is so high and everyone has the same skill but you just have good days and bad days – today was my good day,” said Lusk. “I love the Mexican crowd. Now, I just need to learn to speak Spanish.”


Moto X Best Whip

Wrapping up the weekend’s festivities was the crowd-pleasing Moto X Best Whip competition. The gold, silver and bronze medal winners were chosen by fan text message voting. Cheers filled the stadium as each competitor stylishly whipped his motorcycle high in the air. The night belonged to crowd-favorite and last night’s Moto X Best Trick bronze medalist Todd Potter who whipped his motorcycle high in the air, and pulled wheelies around the arena. Silver went to last night’s Step Up gold medalist Ronnie Renner, while Lusk claimed the bronze with a “turn-down whip,” by whipping his motorcycle almost 180 degrees.


“I had a fall in Freestyle but I’m ok and I’m glad I got up to ride again because it got me gold. The fans were unbelievable tonight and it’s great to incorporate the fans into the competition,” said Potter.


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 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.


www.xgames.com/mexico

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