"The Red Bull X-Fighters 2008 season has been the most insane so far"

Head Judge Andy Bell reviews the Red Bull X-Fighters season: what were the trends that shaped 2008, why Mat Rebeaud was so dominant and what in his opinion was the trick of the year.

Andy, please give us a brief summary of how a Bull X-Fighters event runs for you – from the arrival to the event to the after-show party.

For me, showing up to Red Bull X-Fighters usually consists of being jet lagged and excited! Since all the Red Bull X-Fighters are in other countries but one, it’s always a long trip for me. From the airport I’ll usually go to the hotel, shower, change and head over to watch practice. After that is usually the ranking session, which is the hardest part of judging Red Bull X-Fighters, since instead of head-to-head, we have to rank 12 riders. Event night is much easier, and there are usually only two or three really tough decisions to be made. After that, the after party! (You can only imagine how that one turns out …)

What in particular does a head judge have to keep in mind?

Being the head judge, not only do I judge the overall aspect of someone’s run but I also have to keep an eye on everyone else’s judging - in case there’s a question after the run.

And what was the trickiest situation for you this year?

This year in Madrid with Danny Torres and Jeremy Lusk was very difficult. But Jeremy got one more trick in his ride, so he beat Danny in the first heat, which was a shock to everyone in the crowd, as no one was counting tricks other than us.

By the way, what is the most bizarre swear word that a rider has ever thrown at you for feeling they were unfairly judged?

Ha ha! Honestly, the riders are usually pretty happy with the Red Bull X-Fighters judging I think. Renner got pissed at me once, and I know Danny’s management is never happy unless he wins, but I’m bigger than all the riders, so I can intimidate them! Ha ha …

Please give us a short personal review of the Red Bull X-Fighters season that is almost over. What in your opinion were the most important developments regarding the riders and their performances?

This year’s Red Bull X-Fighters has been crazy. Probably the biggest moment was Fredrik [Johansson] unveiling the 540 on the quarter pipe. That was amazing. Also having the round in Texas was great, to show Red Bull X-Fighters to the American public.

What, in light of the tricks and their execution, was the decisive trend this year?

Obviously the flip variations are continuing to get out of control these days. Watching freestyle now is like watching it five years ago, but upside down!

How would you assess the development of Mat Rebeaud? What made him so superior this year?

It was obvious that Mat was taking things more seriously than ever this year. His bike skills and his fitness level have both improved considerably. You could see that he'd simply had enough of being beaten.