Motocross
5 FMX Riders to Watch at Red Bull X-Fighters
Missing these guys at X-Fighters is like challenging Chuck Norris to a fight: You just don't do it.
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Thomas Pages Flair Sequence
© Jörg Mitter/Red Bull Content Pool
Red Bull X-Fighters always brings out the heavy hitters, so missing even one run is a risk for any fan who appreciates the art of absurdity that is freestyle motocross. However, since we are the experts on the subject of moto tricks, here are a few names that you definitely cannot afford to miss in Mexico City (or any other stop for that matter):
1. Thomas Pages (above)
He’s pretty much considered the best freestyle motocross rider in the world right now. Pages combines incredible ability and a general lack of self-preservation throwing some of the biggest bangers ever in FMX. He has about three to four tricks in his repertoire that no one else in the world has done in competition. That probably has a little something to do with why he's the reigning X-Fighters champion.
Trick to watch for: Everything. The Volt, Flair, Special Flip, even his whips are some of the best ever.
Don Quixote: Dany Torres
© Oscar Carrascosa/Red Bull Content Pool
2. Dany Torres
Dany Torres has a riding style filled with the same panache of his Spanish forefathers. His explosive energy gives his tricks a personality all their own -- even though they don’t really need it, because they are huge. Dany is also the most decorated X-Fighters athlete ever, with 6 wins and 14 podiums.
Trick to watch for: His turndown whip is otherworldly
3. Josh Sheehan
The Aussie Josh Sheehan has exploded onto the scene in the past few years. He employs huge tricks and consistency to get the job done out there. It’s rare to see Sheehan screw up a run, and since his go-to move is the double backflip, consistency is his best friend.
Trick to watch for: The double backflip. He has that 'ish on lock.
Erick Ruiz, from the flight deck
© Alfredo Martinez/Red Bull Content Pool
4. Erick Ruiz
The dark horse coming into X-Fighters in Mexico City is none other than local boy Erick Ruiz. Last year, he sent the local crowd into a frenzied state with his electric riding, and made a huge mark for himself on the international freestyle scene, even though he could only manage a 9th.
Trick to watch for: His Double Grab Hart Attack has been declared one of the best ever done.
It’s Levi’s unique style that makes him a freestyle superstar. His Gumbi-esque flexibility allows him to throw a certain flair and extension into his tricks that no other rider in the world can match.
Trick to watch for: The Tsunami Flip. Levi’s extension on that trick is positively mind-blowing.
Watch the freestyle motocross action from Mexico on FOX Sports 1 starting at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT on Monday, March 17. For the latest news on Red Bull X-Fighters, check out redbullxfighters.com.
And for the latest dirt on moto, make sure to follow Red Bull Moto Spy on Twitter.
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