The Marzocchi Airdrome went off with a bang! Fireworks launched the inaugural
indoor dirt jump event in Munich's Olympic Hall on December 15, 2006. The
riders kept the spectators' eyes focused toward the ceiling as they assaulted
the skies with a flurry of flips and spinning tricks. In the end the three
riders could reach the podium and they where Kona's Andreu Lacondeguy, Darren
Berrecloth and Lance McDermott could reach the podium.
The dirt jumps built for the SuperCross-Over Munich event were some of the
largest jumps ever used for a mountain bike dirt jump contest: the first jump
was 35 ft. long and the second one was 20 ft. Most riders were a bit
apprehensive upon arrival, but after a few runs during the practice session,
everyone was comfortable and began to trick the two massive dirt jumps. The
event organizers added plywood to the top of the dirt roll-in to give the
riders a little extra speed into the first jump as well.
After a lengthy session on the dirt jumps, qualifying began in front of the
7,000 spectators. Andreu Lacondeguy came out strong with a run consisting of a
backflip and a 360 tailwhip, enough to secure the top spot for qualifying.
Eight riders out of the original fifteen riders qualified for the finals.
Each rider had three runs to impress the judges (with their top run used for
the final standing) and they did exactly that. Lance McDermott's second run was
a backflip, followed by a front flip. His third run was a tuck no-hander,
followed by a backflip-superman. Lance's efforts were good enough for third
place in the final .
Darren Berrecloth came in second place with a solid final run, dropping a trick
that we haven't seen previously from "The Claw". Berrecloth 360'd the first
jump, then followed it up with a 360-tailwhip to pedals. A flawless run with a
perfect 3-whip was enough to get Bearclaw into the second spot.
Kona's Andreu Lacondeguy, the first qualifier, brought down the house with two
incredible runs. His first run was a backflip and then a 360-tailwhip, but his
second run sealed the deal for the Spanish Flea. He threw a backflip on the
first and on the second jump he landed a double tailwhip! Andreu rode solid
during the entire contest with his trademark huge riding style. "This is my
first big win and it's amazing! Some years ago I was watching a supercross race
and I was dreaming to be one day at a similar competition. It was great to win
here especially since you were competing at the same
venue during the same weekend with guys like Ronnie Renner!" He went home with
5,000 Euros.
The final results for the event were:
1. Andreu Lacondeguy - KONA (ESP)
2. Darren Berrecloth (CAN)
3. Lance McDermott (UK)
4. Cameron McCaul (USA)
5. Greg Watts (USA)
6. Amir Kabbani (GER)
7. Jamie Goldman (USA)
8. John Jesme (USA)
Grant "Chopper" Fielder was also at the event for Kona and was doing well in
practice but unfortunately didn't land a 720 which pulled him out of the
competition. Check out his blog and extra pictures here:
http://www.konaworld.com/owners_area/index.php?automodule=blog&blogid=12
The inaugural Marzocchi Airdrome event ended with the top three riders being
presented with huge checks by some German go-go girls. The riders then raced
off the podium to prepare for a full night of partying, Munich-style!!!
Date:
19/12/2006